During the Third Anglo-Mysore War, he deserted Ali's successor Tipu Sultan, and subsequently raided territories on the Maratha-Mysore border.

After the Marathas forced him to retreat, he sought refuge from Tipu and converted to Islam, changing his name to Malik Jahan Khan.

The British East India Company as well as the Maratha Peshwa sent armies to check his rising power.

[2] During the Third Anglo-Mysore War, Wagh left Tipu's service, taking along several soldiers as well as considerable wealth.

[1] In 1794, the Maratha general Parashuram Bhau sent an army commanded by Dhondopant Gokhale (also known as Dhondu Pant) to check Wagh's rising power.

Recognizing his ability as a warrior, Tipu forgave his past act of desertion and asked him to convert to Islam.

While the British were busy strengthening their hold over Mysore, Wagh started collecting taxes from traders and cultivators in and around Shimoga.

The polygar feudal lords of Hangal, Harpanahalli, Ranebennuru, Savanur, Sodhe and Vittal acknowledged his suzerainty.

I have information that letters have been received by most of them, either from him, or from others written in his name, calling upon them to take the opportunity to rebel against the Company's government, or that of their allies; and his invasion of our territory is looked to as a circumstance favorable to their views.

[2] On 4 July 1800, General Wellesley sent a letter to Patwardhan, praising his bravery in the battle, and invited him to join the British operations against Wagh.

[2] The next day, a joint British-Maratha force captured the Dambal fort, which was being guarded by a thousand of Wagh's men.

Wagh continue to evade the enemy forces, traversing Saundatti, Annigeri, Munavalli, Kittur, Khanapur and Badami.

On 30 July, the British managed to launch a surprise attacked on Wagh's forces when the latter were crossing the Malaprabha River at Manoh.

Wagh managed to escape, but Wellesley's force pursued him in three separate columns, supported by the Marathas and the Nizam.

[4] The next morning, Wagh was killed in a battle with General Wellesley's 19th Light Dragoons near Konagal or Conaghalli (in present-day Raichur district).

Wellesley offered protection to Wagh's 4-year old son Salabat Khan, and paid for his maintenance before he left for Europe.