Capture of Sinhagad (1693)
In 1693, the task of capturing Sinhagad was entrusted to Nawaji Balkawade and Vithoji Karade. With a force of 5,000 foot soldiers, they defeated the well-equipped Mughal garrison and captured the fort on July 1, 1693[1][2][3].
| Capture of Sinhagad (1693) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Deccan Wars | |||||||||
 The Fort of Sinhagad | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Maratha kingdom |
 Mughal Empire | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Nawaji Balkawade Vithohji Karade |
Unknown | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 5,000 | Unknown | ||||||||
Battle
[edit]In the preceding year, the Marathas had tried to capture Sinhagad by scaling its steep cliffs but were unable to do so due to vigilant patrolling by the fort. This time, the task of capturing the fort was given to commanders Nawaji Balkawade and Vithoji Karake, who commanded a force of 5,000 infantry[1]. The fort was well-defended, and the garrison remained on tenterhooks after the Marathas' previous attempt. On June 30, 1693, Nawaji and Vithoji left Rajmachi with their troops and camped in the forest at the foot of the fort[3].
During the night, a party of men, including Nawaji and Vithoji, was selected to climb the precipice. Using ladders and ropes, they climbed the steep terrain successfully. The Marathas fought a fierce battle and defeated the garrison, capturing the fort on July 1[3]. This victory reminded the Maratha soldiers of the heroic exploits of Tanaji Malusare, who had sacrificed his life in a similar manner while capturing the fort during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj[2].
References
[edit]- ^ a b G. T. Kulkarni (1983-04-22). The Mughal Maratha Relations: Twenty Five Fateful Years (1682-1707). p. 158.
- ^ a b Jaisingrao Pawar. Chhatrapati Rajaram And The Maratha State. p. 168.
- ^ a b c G. T. Kulkarni (1967-01-01). Maratha War Of Independence 1680-1707 AD. p. 264.