An epic battle of Honor, Bravery and Sacrifice led by an immortal legend of Pavankhind
Baji Prabhu Deshpande
This historic battle took place on 13th July 1660 when "Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj" was trapped in the Panhala Fort, by Adil Shahi army, led by Siddi Johar.
When
Plan
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's plan was to escape from Panhala to the nearby Vishalgadh Fort, which is around 65km away.
Escape
On that night, along with a troop of 600 men led by Baji Prabhu, Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Panhala. One of the soldiers, "Shiva Kashid", disguised himself as Shivaji Maharaj to distract the enemies; thus making escape easier for his King.
Chase
However, this news soon reached Siddhi Johar and a force of 10,000 including cavalry & infantry, began their chase to capture Shivaji Maharaj.
Ghodkhind
After a 52km-walk at around 5 am, the maratha warriors reached Ghodkhind - a narrow pass in the mountains before Vishalgadh. It's here they got to know the intent of Adil Shahi force.
Now What
Here, Baji Prabhu decided to stay at Ghodkhind to stop the enemy and requested Shivaji Maharaj to go back to Vishalgadh with half the troops. Baji asked him to burst 3 cannon shots to signal his safety upon reaching Vishalgadh.
Baji pleaded to Shivaji Raje
Lakhs may die but the protector of Lakhs should live on !
- Baji Prabhu Deshpande
Who is Baji?
Commander of Shivaji Maharaj
Strong man with a giant personality
A Master of Dand Patta (type of sword)
Age - 45
A true follower of Shivaji Maharaj
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Thus Baji Prabhu would now fight the greatest battle of his life. Brace yourself to witness this heroic battle.
Baji is all set Are you?
Music included
- Time (approx) -
6 am
- Date -
14 July 1660
- Swords used by Baji -
2 swords, 6.5 kg each
- Army -
300 vs. 10,000
Strategy
At the entrance there were a few rows with 5-6 soldiers in each row, led by Baji Prabhu.
60 soldiers were positioned at the exit of khind.
Some were standing atop the edges of the khind.
Estimated time to block enemies at Ghodkhind - 4 hrs (approx)
Despite being tired and less in number, Baji Prabhu, his brother Phulaji, and others started fighting like caged tigers with their famous war cry -
Har Har Mahadev
On the other hand, Shivaji Maharaj had to cross 13km to reach Vishalgadh, in about 4hrs. Also, there was another trap set at the fort by the Mughals, that Raje knew nothing of. So, they would have to first fight the Mughals before proceeding towards Vishalgadh. All of this added up to the duration of battle for Baji at Ghodkhind.
Twist
Image: Vishalgadh
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Here, at Ghodkhind, in his fierce avatar, although seriously injured -Baji kept fighting like a cornered tiger. It was as if, Lord of the Lords "Mahadev" doing Tandav in the form of Baji.
Music included
Despite being crisscrossed with grave injuries, sword cuts, and spear thrusts, Baji stood firm and kept on fighting. Looking at the whole scene, scared & annoyed Siddi Masud hired a Gunman to kill Baji.
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A gunman who stood around 1 mile (1.6km) away, looking at the battlefield, asked Siddi Masud - Who is Baji ?
Siddi replied: The one who is stained with blood, the most !
Gunman
Music included
The gunman fired a shot & it went straight into Baji Prabhu's chest. Baji Prabhu collapsed, his comrades began to recover, Baji stood up again and said:
Tell the death, until I hear the sound of cannon burst, I don't have time to die.
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There, Shivaji Maharaj reached the foothills of Vishalgadh and their fierce war against Mughals began. Maharaj wanted to reach the fort as soon as possible and fire 3 cannon shots as promised to Baji.
Another War
Music included
After a few hours, on defeating the Mughals, Shivaji Maharaj finally reached Vishalgadh safely and fired 3 cannon shots.
After hearing the 3 cannon shots, signalling the safety of his king Shivaji Maharaj, Baji collapsed. Baji Prabhu fought the bloodiest and bravest battle of his life for almost 12 hrs, braving a bullet in his chest and numerous wounds on his body.
Baji Prabhu fought for his king, for his country, for his motherland, for his guru. Setting the biggest example of Loyalty, Honor, Bravery which will be remembered for years and years, teaching us what -
Nation First
is all about !
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Har Har Mahadev
Later, Shivaji Maharaj renamed Ghodkhind to "Pavankhind" which means a Sacred Place sanctified with the blood of Baji and the Marathas.