Tanaji Malusare
Tanaji Malusare (Marathi: तानाजी मालुसरे), also known as Simha (Lion), was a warrior and military leader in the army of Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire in 17th century India. Tanaji was one of Shivaji's closest friends; the two had known each other since childhood.[citation needed]
Tanaji is famously known for the battle of Sinhagad in 1670. At Shivaji's request, he pledged to recapture the fortress of Kondana near Pune. According to many accounts, he received the summons at his son's wedding, and immediately left the festivities. Tanaji Malusare and his troops scaled the fort with the help of monitor lizards (ghorpad in Marathi). He and his men valiantly recaptured the fort from Udaybhan Rathod, fortkeeper of Jai Singh I. A fierce combat took place between Tanaji and Udaybhan. Udaybhan managed to rid Tanaji of his shield, still Tanaji fought Udaybhan by tying a cloth over one of his hands and using it to ward off Uday Bhan's sword attacks. Tanaji managed to fight Uday Bhan for some time. However, Tanaji lost his life in the battle, and Shivaji renamed the fort from Kondana to Sinhagad in his honor. His words after hearing about the demise of Tanaji were "Gad ala pan Sinha gela"(Meaning although the fort was captured a lion was lost in the battle) However some historical texts account that the name Sinhagad existed long before this incident.
[edit] Legacy
His name is popular in countryside. A povada meaning ballad on his life is famous one.One novel 'Gad ala pan sinh gela' is written in Marathi.A movie is also made.
