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ARTILLERY SERVICE UNDER “JOHN COME ANYA 
The numerous strongholds which existed all over the province, and 
the lawless spirit of the Bandela chiefs, made them impatient of con¬ 
trol, aud small expeditions were kept perpetually on the move, reduc¬ 
ing the more unruly ones to obedience. Many minor sieges took place, 
the most important of which were those of Adjighur and Bhawani. 
The existing records are so vague that it is impossible to identify 
the precise units, to which those engaged belonged. 
1812 Bandelkhand still continued the seat of war, the military 
adventurer Gopal Singh, availing himself of the natural 
fastnesses of the country, defied our authority and evaded our troops, 
keeping them perpetually on the move. This harassing and desultory 
warfare was only brought to a close by the siege of Kalin jar in Feb¬ 
ruary 1812, after which Gopal Singh returned to his allegiance. 
Si of Kalinjar is a fort situated on an isolated rock 900 feet 
Kalin‘ar a ^ ove the plain, about four miles in circumference round the 
top, and ten or twelve at the base. The sides of the hill 
are covered with impenetrable bush and bamboo jungle. The town 
lay at the foot of the hill at the S.E. angle. The fort was loop-holed, 
as well as pierced for guns, and the only entrance to it was in the cen¬ 
tre of the North wall, the sole approach to which, was a steep winding 
path up the face of the hill, the path being barred at intervals by seven 
gateways. 
The besieging force assembled on the 19th January, under the com¬ 
mand of Colonel Martindell. On the 21st a small hill about 800 yards 
to the N.E. of the fort was occupied. The 22nd and 23rd were em¬ 
ployed in clearing the jungle and making a road for the guns, and on 
the following night, two 18-pounders were (after great labour) with 
the assistance of parties from the 8th Royal Irish Dragoons and the 
53rd Foot, got up and placed in battery on the top. The next 
day, two mortars and two more guns followed, and two other batteries 
were erected at the foot of the hill facing the main gate. 
Everything being ready, all the batteries opened fire at daybreak 
on the 28th. The enemy^s guns were immediately dismounted 
the bastion opposite to the guns on the hill demolished and the town 
taken the same day after very slight resistance. The bombardment 
continued until the 2nd February when the breach being considered 
practicable, a storming party advanced to assault it. After proceed¬ 
ing a short distance, they were brought to a standstill by a perpen¬ 
dicular rock, 20 feet high; the enemy rolling showers of large 
stones down on them, crushed and broke their ladders, and compelled 
them to retire with heavy loss. The Killahdar was however glad to 
come to terms, and on the 8th our troops marched into Kalinjar. Major 
Fuller commanded the Artillery at this Siege and their exertions 
were acknowledged in G.O/s in the following terms :—“ The Governor- 
“ General deems it his duty to express his concurrence in the honourable 
“ testimony, borne to the distinguished service of the Artillery and 
t( Engineer Departments, by Colonel Martindell.” 
The neighbouring districts of Baghelkhand and Rewah, 
were during the following year, the scenes of more petty 
1813 . 
