Pawankhind: The Indian 300 Saving Chhatrapati Shivaji

Pawankhind is a historical site in Maharashtra, India, where a battle took place in 1660 between the Maratha Empire and the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur. The battle is famous for the heroic stand taken by 300 Maratha soldiers against a much larger Adilshahi army. The Marathas were led by Baji Prabhu Deshpande, who sacrificed his life to allow Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to escape.

Pawankhind - The Indian 300: Saving Chhatrapati Shivaji

by Trilokesh Dayananda

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

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The Battle of Pawankhind

In 1660, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was leading a campaign against the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur. He had captured the fort of Panhala and was returning to his capital at Raigad when he was attacked by a large Adilshahi army led by Afzal Khan. Shivaji Maharaj was outnumbered and outgunned, and he was forced to retreat. He was pursued by the Adilshahi army, and he was eventually trapped at the pass of Pawankhind.

Shivaji Maharaj and his men were surrounded by the Adilshahi army on three sides. The only way out was through the narrow pass of Pawankhind, which was guarded by 300 Maratha soldiers led by Baji Prabhu Deshpande. Baji Prabhu and his men knew that they could not defeat the Adilshahi army, but they were determined to hold them off long enough for Shivaji Maharaj to escape. They fought bravely, and they managed to hold off the Adilshahi army for several hours.

Eventually, Baji Prabhu and his men were overwhelmed by the Adilshahi army. However, they had given Shivaji Maharaj enough time to escape. Shivaji Maharaj was able to make it back to Raigad, where he was safe. He was deeply grateful to Baji Prabhu and his men for their sacrifice.

The Aftermath of the Battle of Pawankhind

The Battle of Pawankhind was a major victory for the Maratha Empire. It showed that the Marathas were willing to fight for their independence, and it helped to inspire them to victory in the long struggle against the Mughal Empire. Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his men became national heroes, and they are still remembered today for their bravery and sacrifice.

Pawankhind Today

Pawankhind is a popular tourist destination. The site of the battle has been turned into a memorial park, and there is a museum dedicated to the battle. Visitors can learn about the history of the battle and see the weapons and armor that were used. Pawankhind is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made by the Maratha people in their struggle for independence.

The Battle of Pawankhind was a turning point in the history of the Maratha Empire. It showed that the Marathas were willing to fight for their independence, and it helped to inspire them to victory in the long struggle against the Mughal Empire. Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his men became national heroes, and they are still remembered today for their bravery and sacrifice.

Pawankhind - The Indian 300: Saving Chhatrapati Shivaji

by Trilokesh Dayananda

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