Songtham vs Yeshwantrao Holkar

Songtham pursued a policy of peaceful coexistence with the Burmese Toungoo Empire, avoiding military conflicts and maintaining the borders established by Naresuan. This peace allowed Ayutthaya to focus on internal development and trade, contributing to the kingdom's prosperity during his reign.

Songtham was known for his commitment to justice, earning the epithet 'the Just King.' He reviewed and revised legal codes to ensure fair treatment of subjects, reduced corruption among officials, and established mechanisms for commoners to appeal royal decisions, strengthening the rule of law in Ayutthaya.

During Songtham's reign, a footprint believed to be that of the Buddha was discovered on a hill in Saraburi province. Songtham declared it a sacred relic and ordered the construction of Wat Phra Phutthabat (Temple of the Buddha's Footprint) to enshrine it, making it a major pilgrimage site.

Songtham commissioned the construction of Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi to house the discovered Buddha footprint. The temple complex included a mondop (square building) covering the footprint and became one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Thailand, attracting devotees from across the kingdom.

Yeshwantrao Holkar defeated the combined forces of the Peshwa and Scindia at the Battle of Poona. This victory made him the dominant Maratha power in the Deccan and forced the Peshwa to flee.

The Peshwa Baji Rao II signed the Treaty of Bassein with the British, seeking their help against Yeshwantrao Holkar. This treaty brought the British into Maratha affairs and triggered the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

Yeshwantrao Holkar besieged the British-held fort of Bharatpur but failed to capture it. The siege ended inconclusively, and Holkar was forced to retreat after British reinforcements arrived.

Yeshwantrao Holkar signed the Treaty of Rajghat with the British, ending his participation in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. He ceded some territories but retained his kingdom's independence.