The Epic Battle for Sinhagad Fort: The Last Stand of Tanaji Malusare

Among the many legendary warriors of the Maratha Empire, one name stands out – Tanaji Malusare. A soldier who was fiercely loyal to King Shivaji Maharaj, Tanaji was renowned for his courage and military valor. His legendary battle for the Sinhagad Fort is a testament to his bravery and the strength of the Maratha army under Shivaji Maharaj. In this article, we explore the history and significance of Tanaji Malusare's last stand for the fort.

Context and Background

During the mid-17th century, the Maratha ruler, Shivaji Maharaj, faced a formidable challenge from the Mughals. The Treaty of Purandar forced Shivaji Maharaj to hand over the fort of Kondhavana, a strategically important position near Pune, to the Mughals. However, this fort proved to be a thorn in the Mughals' side and a symbol of Maratha defiance.

The Mission and the Man

Shivaji Maharaj recognized the importance of regaining this fort and chose Tanaji Malusare, one of his most trusted generals, to accomplish this task. Tanaji was well-known for his ferocity and bravery, often consuming tough foods like iron nails for breakfast and blood for juice, symbolizing his indomitable spirit. Under the advice of his mother, Rajmata Jijabai, Shivaji called Tanaji back from his son's wedding to embark on this crucial mission.

The Siege and the Battle

In February 1670, Tanaji and his bravest troops, consisting of 1,000 mavals (a Maratha term for soldiers), marched towards the heavily fortified Sinhagad Fort. The odds were stacked against them as the fort was guarded by Rajput, Arab, and Pathan troops, making it virtually impenetrable.

Tanaji, a daring tactician, decided to use the terrain to his advantage. He deployed his pet monitor lizards called ghorpad to carry ropes up the cliff to aid in scaling the fort. With a contingent of 300 men, Tanaji launched a surprise attack from the south side of the fort. The battle was intense, with Tanaji engaging in a fierce duel with the fort's commander, Udaybhan Rathod, a true Rajput warrior.

Despite being outnumbered and receiving a severe blow to his arm, Tanaji refused to give up. The legend recounts that he wrapped a piece of cloth around his injured arm to continue fighting. Their battle lasted for several hours until Tanaji fell, ensuring the fort's fall to the Marathas. This devastating loss deeply angers the Marathas, who rally under their newly appointed commander, Suryaji Malusare, and decisively defeated the enemy forces.

The Aftermath and Legacy

After the battle, the fort was renamed to Sinhagad, meaning "fort of the lion." According to tradition, Shivaji Maharaj crossed his sword over a lion, symbolizing the sacrifice made for the fort. The phrase 'Gad ala pan Sinha gela' sum up the essence of this event: 'We lost the fort, but we killed the lion.' This battle not only marked the bravery of Tanaji Malusare but also underscored the resilience and valor of the Maratha army.

Today, the battle of Sinhagad stands as a symbol of the Maratha struggle and the indomitable spirit of Tanaji Malusare. His legacy continues to inspire warriors and historians alike, emphasizing the importance of courage, strategy, and the unwavering will to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Tanaji Malusare's story is a prime example of the fierce and unyielding nature of Maratha warriors, and it continues to be celebrated and retold.