Battle of Merta (1754)

In 1754, the Marathas and Rajputs Clashed resulting in the Battle of Merta, Maharaja Vijay Singh with all his artillery carts supported by Raja of Bikaner and the Nawab of Fatehpur attacked on Maratha ruler Jayappaji Rao Scindia, who in return, charged back with his own artillery. A battle took place in which Marathas emerged victorious and Vijay Singh fled towards Nagaur.
Battle
Vijaysingh faced repeated skirmishes with the Marathas. On the morning of September 14, 1754, he surprised the Marathas by launching an attack without his artillery carts. The Marathas swiftly seized his artillery carts. Although the people of Herts and the Dedupanthis continued to supply Bejaisingh, he lacked effective leadership qualities.
Meanwhile, Jayappa Shinde divided his army into two wings. One was led by Dattaji Shinde, while Jayappa Shinde commanded the other himself. The battle was intense, with both sides exchanging rockets and artillery fire.
On 17th September 1754, Jayappa and Ramsingh entered Merta city after a two-day rest, plundering it for three hours. Upon hearing the news, Raghunathrao inquired about Jayappa Shinde's next steps. The victory pleased both the Peshva and Raghunathrao greatly. In order to encourage Jayappa, they assured Jayappa and Ramaji Anant about their families' well-being in Deccan. Janardan Ballal, the Peshwa's younger brother, praised Jayappa Shinde's service to the Maratha State. The Peshva attributed the victory to Jayappa's fortune.

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