Courage above all things is the first quality of a 'Warrior'
The Maratha Empire was founded by the Maratha warrior-hero Chhatrapati (Emperor) Shivaji, in response to the chaos and misrule that prevailed in the Deccan in the late 17th century.
Let us see few of the valiant Maratha warriors that founded and helped expand the Maratha kingdom in the Deccan:
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a people's ruler. He established his empire during that time when Maratha's used to serve under Adilshah and the Nizams.
He laid the foundation of Swaraj with the help of the Mavlas. He established a competent and progressive civil rule with the help of a disciplined military and well-structured administrative organisations.
Shivaji is the greatest king and most successful general in Indian history; he is the father of Indian navy, nobody else recognized the importance of a navy except him. He kept the dream of Swaraj (self rule) above everything else; his successful military adventures; his escape from Agra; his escape to Vishalgad; his military expeditions in Karnataka are legendary stories that will inspire us in years to come.
Shivaji’s success was against impossible, insurmountable odds. We always judge success against the odds. So he was no doubt a master strategist plus a tactician in both guerrilla warfare as well as open-field battles.
Sambhaji Raje:
Sambhaji's reign was short and very tumultuous to say the least. His life was abrupt and death so very tragic. But despite all his accomplishments, Sambhaji in his death achieved much more than what he did during his lifetime.
Till date Sambhaji continues to evoke mixed reactions. Some hail him as a bravest Maratha warrior that ever lived, whereas some criticize him for his indolence and weakness for a good life. But even his critics concede the mans genius.
Also it must be noted that Sambhaji had to face a formidable opponent in the form of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb himself, something which even the great Shivaji was spared of. The Mughal might was several folds greater than that of Bijapur and to Sambhaji's credit he gave the Mughals a very tough fight.
With his death he became a martyr, inspiring a Maratha fightback.
Baji Prabhu Deshpande:
Discovering Shivaji's location, Johar laid siege to Panhala. Netaji Palkar made repeated attempts to break the Bijapuri siege from outside, but these failed.
The lion of Sahyadri was well and truly trapped inside Panhala fort. Finally, in desperation, a very audacious plan was hatched to enable Shivaji Maharaj to escape the siege. Shivaji, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and a select band of soldiers would attempt to break through the siege at the night, and make a non-stop run for Vishalgad, a fort some 40 kms.
When Baji Prabhu Deshpande realized that they were being pursued by a vast army of 4000 soldiers, he begged Shivaji Maharaj to proceed towards Vishalgad with half the troops while he himself chose to make a final stand at Ghod Khind, an extremely narrow pass between two tall mountains that stood between Panhalgad and Vishalgad.
Through the entire battle, Baji Prabhu, even though he was grievously injured, continued fighting, inspiring his men to fight on until Shivaji’s safe arrival to Vishalgadh was signaled by the firing of three cannon shots.
Baji Prabhu Deshpande will always be remembered for the heroic battle of Ghod Khind. The Ghodkhind pass was subsequently named Paavan Khind (“Holy Pass”) by Shivaji, in honor of the sacrifice of Baji Prabhu and his troops.
Baji Prabhu Deshpande’s heroic last stance has been the stuff of legend in Maharashtra. Baji Prabhu’s sacrifice continues to inspire people even today.
Bajirao Ballal Bhat (Peshwa Bajirao I):
Bajirao was a Peshwa to the fourth Maratha emperor, Chhatrapati Shahu Raje Bhonsle. As a general, he led his troops in over 41 battles and never lost a war. Through these battles, he expanded the Maratha empire into the north and strengthened its hold over its territories.
He was raised a Brahmin, and so was expected to perform priestly duties when he grew up. But recognizing his abilities early, emperor Shahu Maharaj made him Peshwa after the death of his father. He was just 20 years old at the time. He then made this extraordinary opportunity count by expanding the Maratha empire with the help of some valiant fighting, smart strategy, and inspiring leadership.
Tanaji Malusure:
In 1665, the Treaty of Purandar required Shivaji Maharaj to give up fort Kondhana to the Mughals. The thought of the Mughals controlling the fort was more than just enraging to Shivaji Maharaj's mother, Rajmata Jijabai. The decision had been made, and at the advice of his mother Shivaji Maharaj sent for Tanaji Malusare.
Tanaji Malusare who was busy preparing for his son's wedding without any question responded on this and came to the service of his mighty king.
Legend has it that Malusare used his own pet monitor lizards (Ghorpad) to scale the hill side cliff and set ropes for his troops to climb. Malusare had to launch the attack from the south side of the fort with just 300 of his men while the rest were still at the bottom of the fort.
When Rathod knocked the shield from Malusare's hand, Malusare was said to have removed a bit of cloth and wrap it around his defending arm to continue. The battle between the two brave hearts was said to have lasted for the better part of the attack itself, and it ended with Malusare losing his life. Saddened but only more enraged by the death of their general, the Maratha's fought under Malusare's brother Suryaji Malusare with all their might and laid waste to the defending forces.
Upon hearing the news of the loss of his most beloved commander and dear friend, Shivaji Maharaj renamed the fort and called it Sinhagad. He has been noted to have said, "Gad ala pan Sinha gela."
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