The Incredible Battle of Pawankhind: How 300 Indian soldiers saved Chhatrapati Shivaji

When it comes to legendary battles that have shaped the course of history, one that often goes unnoticed is the Battle of Pawankhind. This epic encounter took place in the year 1660, between the Marathas and the Adil Shahi dynasty, during a critical time when the mighty Mughal Empire posed a threat to the sovereignty of the Maratha Kingdom.

The Battle of Pawankhind occurred in the dense forests of Maharashtra, near the village of Miraj. It revolved around the charismatic Maratha leader, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was trapped inside the ambush laid by the Adil Shahi forces. Chhatrapati Shivaji was not only a visionary ruler but also an inspiration for his soldiers, who were ready to sacrifice their lives to protect him.

Pawankhind - The Indian 300: Saving Chhatrapati Shivaji

by Trilokesh Dayananda (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4632 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Adil Shahi dynasty, led by the powerful Afzal Khan, saw an opportunity to eliminate Chhatrapati Shivaji, who had been a constant thorn in their side. Afzal Khan, known for his immense physical strength and intimidating presence, believed that capturing or killing Shivaji would end the Maratha resistance and strengthen the Adil Shahi rule in the region.

However, little did Afzal Khan know that he was up against not just an ordinary army, but a force of extraordinary bravery, determination, and loyalty. The Marathas, numbering only around 300 warriors, were led by Shivaji's loyal commanders, including his trusted bodyguard, Jiva Mahala.

The battle began with Afzal Khan luring Chhatrapati Shivaji out of his fortress for a diplomatic meeting. Aware of the Adil Shahi forces' numerical superiority, Shivaji took along some of his trusted soldiers, prepared for the unexpected. As they made their way through the dense forests towards the location of the meeting, the unsuspecting Afzal Khan had a sinister plan in mind.

Upon arriving at the meeting place in Pawankhind, a vast gorge surrounded by dense forests, Afzal Khan disguised his sinister motives with polite gestures and unwavering eye contact. However, Shivaji, who possessed unmatched intelligence and intuition, sensed the impending danger. As he looked around, his instinct was confirmed when he noticed the menacing presence of Afzal Khan's soldiers hiding in the bushes.

In an instant, chaos erupted, as Afzal Khan revealed his true intentions and charged at Chhatrapati Shivaji with a concealed weapon. Shivaji, known for his agility and quick reflexes, skillfully evaded the attack and courageously fought against the oncoming enemy forces. Jiva Mahala, along with his elite warriors, joined Shivaji in this intense battle for survival.

Despite being outnumbered and surrounded, the Marathas fought ferociously, displaying unwavering loyalty towards their beloved king. The ground in Pawankhind turned red with the blood of both Marathas and Adil Shahi soldiers. Swords clanged, arrows flew, and war cries echoed through the dense forest.

For hours, the battle raged on, with neither side making substantial gains. It was in the moments of despair that the Maratha soldiers' undying love for Shivaji propelled them forward. Their persistence and unyielding spirit started to weaken the Adil Shahi forces, who began to realize the insurmountable determination of their opposition.

What happened next is etched in history forever. Sensing an opportunity to strike a decisive blow, Jiva Mahala, with a small group of elite warriors, launched a surprise attack on Afzal Khan himself. In a display of exceptional skill and precision, they succeeded in killing Afzal Khan, causing chaos and panic among the remaining Adil Shahi forces.

This turn of events dramatically shifted the momentum in favor of the Marathas. The Adil Shahi soldiers, now demoralized, began to retreat, giving the Marathas an opening to escape from Pawankhind. The Indian 300 had not only protected their king but also emerged victorious against all odds.

The Battle of Pawankhind was a testament to the indomitable spirit, loyalty, and bravery of the Maratha soldiers. Their sacrifice and determination remained etched in the annals of history, defying the odds and safeguarding the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

This battle not only solidified the Maratha resistance against the Mughal Empire but also served as an inspiration for future generations. The heroic tale of the Indian 300 at Pawankhind embodies the spirit of unwavering loyalty, the relentless pursuit of freedom, and the triumph of good over evil.

Today, Pawankhind stands as a symbol of bravery and courage, reminding us of the sacrifices made by the Maratha warriors. It serves as a testament to the power of a united force, capable of accomplishing the impossible when driven by a common purpose.

In , the Battle of Pawankhind was not only a significant event in Indian history but also a turning point for the Marathas. It showcased the power of bravery, loyalty, and determination in the face of insurmountable odds. The Indian 300 warriors left an indelible mark on the pages of history, forever celebrated for their unwavering commitment to protecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Pawankhind - The Indian 300: Saving Chhatrapati Shivaji

by Trilokesh Dayananda (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4632 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

PAWANKHIND - THE INDIAN 300 : SAVING CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI

When the Bijapur forces laid siege of the Panhala Fort with their 10,000 strong platoons, Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj and his 600-odd men couldn't break through the siege. A direct attack against the enemy was not only suicidal but also foolhardy. Shivaji, the master strategist hatched a grand escape plan and against all odds, the overwhelmingly outnumbered Maratha forces succeeded in executing the plan and saving the great Maratha ruler, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Today, Maharaj Shivaji’s story has been forgotten in the annals of time. His extraordinary life and tremendous sacrifice by the brave Marathas who fought gallantly for their fatherland have been relegated to footnotes in our history textbooks. The foreign marauders who came with their slash and burn strategy, destroyed and desecrated the Hindu temples, killed, slain, and maimed thousands of innocent civilians are lauded. Forced conversions were rampant and if it was not for brave hearts like Shivaji Maharaj and his chutzpah to safeguard the dharma he was born into, Hinduism would have been wiped out off the face of the earth.

Shivaji Maharaj’s life abounds in stories of great heroism and there is no dearth of men as gallant and valiant as Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Netaji Palkar, and Bajirao Peshwa. But the Battle of Pawankhind is a fascinating tale of dedication, loyalty, and bravery. It is a tale of extraordinary bravery when 300 Maratha men were able to save Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj even when they were gravely outnumbered. Baji Prabhu Deshpande stood the guard and he refused to die until he heard the news of Shivaji’s safe passage. The Battle of Pawankhind is a story that has not been told to the future generation. Brandishing swords in both hands, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his men zealously chanted Har Har Mahadev and started the sacrificial duel against the ruthless Adilshahis. A bloody battle ensued with a 1:100 ratio of the jihadi forces trying desperately to break through but Baji Prabhu stood his ground resolutely using his body as a wall to prevent the infiltrators. As expected in any lopsided war, the Maratha forces were increasingly depleted and Baji Prabhu’s body was replete with grave injuries, his body, and face profusely bleeding. But the three canon fire was not heard, how can he die before knowing that Shivaji Maharaj was not safe?