[3] Opposing them were the Marathas, who not only aimed to consolidate their northern dominions after their recovery from the defeat at Panipat in 1761 and to protect their Mughal puppet Emperor Shah Alam II from the sikh raids but also extend their influence up to Satluj.

[6] The Cis-Sutlej states, along with other Sikh generals, turned their attention to the east, hence the organization of raids into areas lying adjacent to and beyond the Yamuna River was made.

[7] These expansions put them into conflict with several powers, including the Jats, Rohillas, Mughals, and Marathas, and finally the British East India Company.

[9] The Peshwa Madhavrao I, nevertheless, tried to regain influence in northern India and therefore dispatched three generals Ram Chandra Ganesh, Mahadji Sindhia, and Tukoji Rao Holkar to further this goal.

[4][11] After years of anarchy in Delhi, the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II tried to consolidate his position by naming Mahadji Scindia as Vakil-i-Mutlaq (regent) in November 1784.

[12][13][14] This symbolic act highlighted the formal restoration of Mughal authority, although in a nominal sense, for British observers noted that Scindia, while outwardly appearing to be a dutiful subordinate, actually exercised real power over the Emperor.

[14] Within days of his appointment as Vakil-i-Mutlaq (Plenipotentiary Regent) on 4 December 1784 a position that merged the offices of Wazir and Commander-in-Chief Mahadji Scindia was faced with a severe financial crisis.

[15][16] His main objective during this period was to give the Mughal Emperor a stable revenue and a clear territorial administration, securing thereby an area of absolute control.

[16] On 1 February 1785, after the pillaging of Chandausi by the Dal Khalsa on 15 January, the Sikh forces encamped on the bank of the Ganga River, opposite the Sabalgarh Ghat.

A British dispatch, dated 23 March 1785, revealed that the rumours of a projected alliance among the discontented Mughal chiefs, the Sikhs, and the rulers of Jaipur and Marwar brought the situation to a head.

[21] Ambaji sought the help of Sawai Pratap Singh Naruka to mediate a reconciliation with the Khalsa because he was afraid of the Sikhs ongoing vengeance and eventual humiliation, which may put him to shame in the eyes of his master, Mahadji Sindhia.

[21] The first agreement reached between Mahadji Sindhia's agent, Ambaji Ingle, and the Sikh Dal Khalsa on 31 March 1785 formed the basis for a treaty of alliance.

Despite concerns from Maratha commander Bakhshi Shyam Rao, Ghulam Kadir continued his march towards Delhi, attracting Sikh support.

[38] By the end of December 1788, he had deployed Rane Khan, Ali Bahadur, Keshi Rao, and several more to Kunjpura across the Jamuna River, threatening to conquer Patiala.

[39] The other Sikh chiefs were extremely alarmed by the Marathas' danger, therefore Sardar Baghel Singh Karorsinghia invited the Dal Khalsa from across the Sutlej River.

[40] Negotiations ultimately resulted in an agreement that Bibi Rajindar Kaur would meet Mahadji Sindhia in Mathura to settle the Patiala tribute dispute.