Battle of Sinhagad: Tanaji Malusare recaptures the fort but dies in action

By late 1669, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj initiated a major offensive to recapture twenty-three strategic hill forts surrendered to the Mughals under the Treaty of Purandar in 1665. Among these, the formidable fortress of Kondhana—located on an isolated cliff near Pune—was of supreme strategic importance. The fort was heavily garrisoned by Mughal troops commanded by Udaybhan Rathore, a fierce Rajput commander in imperial service known for his strict defenses and deadly guard forces.

Shivaji entrusted the mission to capture Kondhana to his childhood friend and valued general, Subedar Tanaji Malusare. Upon receiving the royal summons, Tanaji was preparing for his own son Sheba's wedding, but instantly set aside family celebrations, remarking that the liberation of the motherland took precedence over personal matters. On the cold night of February 4, 1670, Tanaji led an elite strike force of around 300 Mavala infantry to the foot of the fort's western precipice, considered impregnable by the defenders.

In the dead of night, the Maratha warriors stealthily scaled the sheer 300-foot vertical cliff face using rope ladders (traditionally believed to have been anchored with the assistance of a trained monitor lizard named Yashwanti). Once atop the battlements, they launched a surprise attack on the sleeping Mughal garrison. A desperate and bloody hand-to-hand battle erupted in the darkness as the Marathas overwhelmed the defenders and made their way toward the central courtyard.

A fierce duel broke out between Tanaji Malusare and Udaybhan Rathore. Both men fought with incredible ferocity; Tanaji lost his shield during the combat and wrapped his headcloth around his arm to parry steel blows. Ultimately, both commanders dealt each other fatal wounds and fell on the battlefield. Seeing Tanaji fall, panic spread through the Maratha ranks, but Tanaji's brother Suryaji Malusare rallied the troops by cutting the retreat ropes, forcing the Mavalas to fight to victory and capture the fort.

Upon hearing the bittersweet news of victory accompanied by the death of his beloved commander, Shivaji expressed deep grief over the loss of his friend. The capture of Kondhana marked a turning point in the Maratha campaign of 1670. In honor of Tanaji's sacrifice, Shivaji renamed the fortress 'Sinhagad'—the Lion's Fort—commemorating the brave hero who gave his life for Maratha swarajya.