On February 4, 1670, Subedar Tanaji Malusare, one of the bravest military commanders of the Maratha kingdom, made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Sinhagad. His heroic efforts in recapturing the Sinhagad Fort and his death in battle have etched his name in the annals of history and Indian folklore.
The Heroic Legacy of Tanaji Malusare
Subedar Tanaji Malusare, often referred to as Tanaji Kaloji Malusare, was a revered military commander and a close companion of the legendary Maratha King Shivaji Maharaj. Born into the Koli community, Tanaji’s loyalty to Shivaji and his commitment to the Maratha cause were unparalleled. His name is inseparable from the Battle of Sinhagad, where his bravery and sacrifice ensured the Marathas reclaimed the vital Sinhagad Fort, a strategic stronghold that had been under Mughal control.
Early Life and Military Career
Tanaji’s rise to prominence began early, with his involvement in crucial military campaigns during the early days of Shivaji’s reign. He was part of the group of warriors who assisted in the establishment of the Maratha kingdom. Notably, he played a key role in the Battle of Torna in 1646, where Shivaji and his commanders captured the Torna Fort from the Adil Shahi Sultanate. This victory marked Tanaji as one of Shivaji’s most trusted and capable commanders.
As an officer in Shivaji’s army, Tanaji’s leadership skills were further solidified during his involvement in battles such as Jawali and Pratapgarh, where Shivaji Maharaj faced off against the infamous Afzal Khan. His military acumen and unwavering dedication to the cause earned him a prominent position within the Maratha ranks.
The Battle of Sinhagad: A Historic and Heroic Moment
The story of Tanaji Malusare is most famously tied to the Battle of Sinhagad, which took place on the night of February 4, 1670. At the time, the Sinhagad Fort (then known as Kondhana Fort) was under Mughal control, and it was strategically important for the Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj, recognising the importance of the fort in the Maratha effort to expand and defend their empire, gave Tanaji the task of recapturing it.
The assault on Sinhagad was a daring, bold, and almost impossible mission. Under the cover of darkness, Tanaji and his troops scaled the steep cliffs of the fort, using innovative techniques and sheer determination. This covert night attack was a brilliant move, as it caught the Mughal defenders off-guard.
However, during the intense battle, Tanaji Malusare faced Udaybhan Rathore, the Mughal commander in charge of the fort. Despite Tanaji’s unmatched bravery and strength, he was mortally wounded in the confrontation with Udaybhan. In his final moments, Tanaji is said to have uttered, “Aaj Kondhana jeetli, par apne jeene ka adhikar nahi,” meaning “Today, we have captured Kondhana, but I have no right to live.” His sacrifice, though tragic, proved pivotal. Tanaji’s forces, under his leadership, were able to defeat the Mughal defenders and reclaim the fort for the Marathas. Following Tanaji’s martyrdom, Shivaji Maharaj is reported to have said, “Gad ala, pan Sinh ala” (The fort is won, but Tanaji is lost). Deeply moved by the loss of his loyal commander, Shivaji renamed the fort Sinhagad, meaning “Lion’s Fort,” in honour of Tanaji’s bravery.
Tanaji Malusare’s death anniversary is a reminder of the supreme sacrifice made by one of the most revered warriors in Indian history. His life and death embody the indomitable spirit of the Maratha Empire and the unwavering loyalty of its commanders.
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