All About Battle of Sinhagad

The Battle of Sinhagad was a night fight that occurred on February 4, 1670, in the fort of Sinhagad, close to the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. It was battled between Tanaji Malusare, an officer of Maratha ruler Shivaji and Udaybhan Rathod, fort keeper under Jai Singh I. Tanaji’s military won the conflict to surrender control of the fortress to the Marathas with setbacks 300 from the Mughal side and 50 from Marathas as well as around 4000 Mughal troops detained by simple 500 Marathas.

Further, this article will have all the necessary information about how Tanhaji escaped to Sinhagad amidst all the obstacles on his way with utmost bravery and determination. There is Tanhaji Malusare history, the bravest officer of Shivaji I set up in the Sinhagad fort architecture.

The Backstory of the Battle

The fortification, previously known as Kondana, was constrained by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and was decisively situated amid different posts in the area like Rajgad, Purandar, and Torna. The Mughals kept a multitude of around 5000 men driven by Udaybhan, a relative of Jai Singh, and guns protected the actual fortification at every turret. Just a single turret was left unguarded at the highest point of a precarious bluff, which was figured difficult to scale. Tanaji had the option to invade the stronghold and do an observation. He additionally found that there was a party the evening of the fight so that the Mughal troopers would be off their watchman. Tanaji was helped by his sibling Suryaji alongside 300 Mavalas, who were light infantry of Maval.

Tanaji Malusare History

Tanaji Malusare’s name is written in brilliant letters throughout the entire existence of the Maratha Empire in India. He was an incredible champion known as ‘Sinha’ (Lion). Tanaji Malusare was a Subedar in the multitude of Chhatrapati Shivaji and was additionally one of his old buddies. He had a place with the Malusare family and faced different conflicts close to Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The first commemoration of the amazing Tanaji Malusare was found in 2019 during rebuilding work in the Sinhagad Fort (Lion’s Fort) around 36 km from Pune.

About Tanaji Malusare

Tanaji Malusare is one of the bold and renowned Maratha fighters whose name is inseparable from courage. He was a companion of the incredible hero ruler, Shivaji. He is best associated with the skirmish of Sinhagad (1670), where he battled until his final gasp against the Mughal fortress protector Udaybhan Rathore. This fight prepared for the Marathas’ triumph.

The Battle

Arrangements were happening for the marriage of Tanaji Malusare’s child. There was an environment of frolic around all over. He had gone to welcome Shivaji and his family to go to the wedding; however, he realised that Shivaji needed to get the Sinhagad Fort back from the Mughals. Prior, the name of the fortification of Sinhagad was Kondana.

In 1665, because of the settlement of Purandar, Shivaji needed to give the Kondana Fort to the Mughals. Kondana, situated close to Pune, was the heaviest fortress and was a decisively submitted fort. After Shivaji’s request, Tanaji, with 300 troopers, walked to catch the Sinhagad fortification in 1670. He was joined by his sibling and maternal uncle, Shelar. The weather conditions were bad, and it was challenging to climb the post due to its level. The ascension was practically vertical.

Not to forget that the fort was being guarded continuously by nearly 5000 Mughal guards. Yet, Tanhajo, along with his troops, escaped to Sinhagad to win over the fort back again. The only part of the fort free from supervision was the top of an overhanging cliff. This shone in the eyes of Tanhaji and motivated him to conclude an escape to Sinhagad.

We often also hear that with the assistance of Shivaji’s pet, a monster reptile named Yashwanti (otherwise called Ghorpad in Marathi) prevailed to climb the precipice with the assistance of a rope with the fighters and went after the Mughals quietly. Udaybhan and Mughal officers knew nothing about this assault. The fight was battled furiously, and Udaybhan killed Tanaji. His uncle, Shelar, assumed control over the fight after Tanaji’s demise and killed Udaybhan. At last, the post was caught by the Marathas. At last, the Marathas won because of Tanaji’s grit and lifted the saffron banner on the Kondana Fort.

Conclusion

Notwithstanding the triumph, Shivaji was profoundly wounded by the deficiency of his most competent leader and companion and broadly said – “Gad ala pan Sinha Gela”.(“The Sinhagad fort architecture has come, yet the lion is gone.”). In the distinction of Tanaji, he changed the name of the Kondana Fort to Sinhagad Fort as he used to allude to Tanaji as ‘Sinha’ (Lion).