17 February - The Sinhagad Fort was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the Mughals in 1670

 

The legendary Battle of Sinhagad took place, where Tanaji Malusare, a trusted commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, led the charge to capture Sinhagad Fort from the Mughals.

The Battle of Sinhagad (1670)

• Background: The fort was under the control of the Mughal commander Udaybhan Rathore, who was stationed there under Aurangzeb's orders. Shivaji wanted to reclaim it as part of his campaign to regain lost territories.
• Tanaji’s Leadership: Tanaji Malusare, a brave Maratha warrior, led a daring night assault with a small but determined force.
• Battle & Martyrdom: Using rope ladders and a monitor lizard (reportedly named Yashwanti) to scale the steep fort walls, the Marathas launched a surprise attack. Despite fierce resistance, Tanaji fought valiantly but was fatally wounded in combat with Udaybhan.
• Victory & Shivaji’s Lament: After Tanaji’s sacrifice, his forces continued the battle and secured the fort. When Shivaji Maharaj heard of the victory but learned of Tanaji’s death, he mourned deeply and famously said:

  "गढ़ आला पण सिंह गेला" (Garh Aala, Pan Singh Gela)
  "The fort is won, but the lion is lost."

Aftermath & Legacy

• The fort was renamed Sinhagad (Lion’s Fort) in Tanaji’s honor.
• A memorial stands on the fort to commemorate his bravery.
• Tanaji’s sacrifice is celebrated in folklore, books, and films as an example of unparalleled courage and loyalty to Swarajya.