17-03-2025
06:30 AM
The Battle of Sinhagad took place on the night of February 4, 1670, within the walls of the Sinhagad Fort, located near Pune, Maharashtra. This battle was fought between Tanaji Malusare, a commander of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Udaybhan Rathod, the Sinhagad Fort keeper serving under Jai Singh I. Tanaji Malusare and his troops claimed their victory and reclaiming the fortress for the Marathas. The battle resulted in approximately 300 casualties on the Mughal side and 50 on the Maratha side, while nearly 4,000 Mughal troops were captured by just 500 Maratha warriors.
In 1670, the Battle of Sinhagad occurred in the fort of Sinhagad near Pune. The Maratha War took place between Tanaji Malusare, a Koli commander of Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj and Udaybhan Rathod. In this Battle of Sinhagad, Tanaji Malusare died and Shivaji renamed the fort of Kondhana as Sinhagad Fort (Lion’s Fort) in his remembrance.
Sinhagad Fort was previously known as Kondhana, the fort was under the control of Mirza Raja Jai Singh and held strategic significance due to its location among other forts like Rajgad, Purandar, and Torna. The Mughals had stationed weapons to nearly 5,000 soldiers, led by Udaybhan Rathod, a subordinate of Jai Singh. Tanaji Malusare managed to invade the fort and conduct a reconnaissance mission. During his observation, he discovered that a celebration was scheduled for the night of the attack, meaning the Mughal soldiers would be less focused. Seizing this opportunity, Tanaji, along with his brother Suryaji and 300 Mavalas began warriors from the Maval region, prepared for the daring assault.
Below in the table we have discussed the Battle of Sinhagad Overview:
Battle of Sinhagad Overview | |
Event | Battle of Sinhagad |
Date | 4 February 1670 |
Location | Sinhagad Fort, Pune |
Forces Involved | Forces of Maratha Empire and Mughal Empire |
Result | Victory of Maratha Empire |
Shivaji gave instruction to begin the battle and achieved significant success, reclaiming several forts that had been ceded under the Treaty of Purandar.
Tanaji Malusare and his warriors got involved in the night assault on Sinhagad Fort, scaling its steep cliffs with the aid of rope ladders and a monitor lizard named Yashwanti.
Seizing the element of surprise, the Marathas launched their attack when the Mughal forces were least prepared. They successfully breached the fort’s defenses, catching the enemy off guard. In the battle that followed, Udaybhan Singh Rathore was murdered, and the Mughal garrison had no choice but to surrender.
Tanaji Malusare was a well known general in Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army and one of his most trusted companions. He is best known for his heroic role in the Battle of Sinhagad 1670, where he led the Marathas against Udaybhan Singh Rathore, a fierce Rajput warrior and Mughal fort keeper. His bravery and sacrifice played a crucial role in securing a Maratha victory.
Purandar Fort served as a crucial refuge for the Peshwas whenever they could not remain safely in their capital, especially after they had taken control from Shivaji’s successors in Poona.
In 1818, a British force under General Pritzker captured Purandhar. The attack began with a mortar battery assault on March 14, followed by the British takeover of Wazirgarh on March 15. Although Purandhar was under Wazirgarh’s jurisdiction, its commandant was compelled to accept the surrender terms, leading to the British flag being raised over the fort on March 16, 1818.
Strategically positioned, the fort oversees the Purandhar Ghat, an important passage through the Western Ghats. In 1776, the British government and the Maratha states signed a treaty regarding the fort. However, the agreement was invalidated by the Treaty of Salbai, signed in 1782 at the end of the First Anglo-Maratha War between the Bombay government and Raghunath Rao.
Q1. Who won the Battle of Sinhagad?
Ans. The Battle of Sinhagad (1670) was won by the Marathas under the leadership of Tanaji Malusare, a trusted commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Q2. Who killed Udaybhan in real?
Ans. In reality, there is no definitive historical record confirming exactly who killed Udaybhan Rathod during the Battle of Sinhagad (1670). However, according to folklore and popular accounts, he was slain by Shelar Mama, a senior Maratha warrior who fought alongside Tanaji Malusare.
Q3. Did Tanaji survive the battle?
Ans. No, Tanaji Malusare did not survive the Battle of Sinhagad (1670).
Q4. Did Udaybhan cut Tanhaji's hand?
Ans. There is no concrete historical evidence confirming that Udaybhan Rathod cut off Tanaji Malusare's hand during the Battle of Sinhagad (1670).
Q5. Who defeated Shivaji?
Ans. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a brilliant strategist and warrior who successfully resisted the Mughals, Adilshahi, and other rivals for most of his life.
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