Battle of Sinhagad
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Battle of Sinhagad was a night battle that took place on February 4, 1670 in the fort of Sinhhagad,near the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India between the Maratha narvir Tanaji and the Udaybhan of Mughal. The Marathas defeated the mughal forces.
| Battle of Sinhagad | ||
|---|---|---|
| Part of the Imperial Maratha Conquests | ||
| Date: February 4, 1670 | ||
| Place: Sinhagad, Maharashtra, India | ||
| Outcome: Decisive victory for Marathas | ||
| Combatants | ||
| Maratha Empire | Mughal Empire | |
| Commanders | ||
| Tanaji | Udaybhan | |
| Strength | ||
| 3,000 | 1,200 | |
| Casualties | ||
| not known | not known | |
The battle is known for the slain Tanaji's valour and sacrifice.
Contents |
[edit] Background
[edit] Battle
[edit] Composition of Mughal forces
The defences of the fort were strong.Mughal garrison consisted of Rajput known for their valour under their commander Udaybhan.
[edit] Compostion of Maratha forces
Tanaji was assisted by Suryaji alongwith hardcore light infantry of maval region.
[edit] Movement and clash of forces
Kondana was heavily guarded by the Mughals, and there was only one way to gain access: an almost impossible to climb, steep edge of the fort. Tanaji's soldiers braved all odds and climbed the steepest side of the fort. In the bloody battle that followed, Tanaji led from the front but was seriously wounded. Two pieces of news arrived in quick succession at Shivaji's palace: first that Kondana fort had been captured by Shivaji's soldiers; and second that General Tanaji had gone down fighting.
[edit] Outcome
It secured the fort and symbolised the spirit of marathas.
[edit] Casulities
Both commanders were slain Other not known.No woman was molested or captivated.
[edit] Honour
Shivaji quipped "Gadh ala, pan Sinha gela" (paraphrased and translated): "The fort is captured but the Lion is dead !" In Tanaji's honour, Kondana was renamed Sinhagad (= "the fort of the lion").
[edit] References
- Grant Duff - History of Marathas
- S.D.Samant - Vedh Mahamanvacha
