Battle of Pavan Khind

Battle of Pävankhind was a rear guard battle that took place on July 13, 1660 at a mountain pass in the vicinity of fort Vishalgad, near the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India between the Maratha sardar Baji Prabhu and Siddi Masud of Adilshah. The Marathas held the Adilshahi forces till Shivaji reached the fort Vishalgad. The Adilshahi forces were 15,000 strong against 600 Maratha light infantry.

The battle is known for gallant defense of the mountain pass by Maratha sardar Baji Prabhu Deshpande.

Background

Shivaji defeated Adilshahi generals of distinction one after the other. Hence Adilshah as last measure pulled all his resources and sent Siddi Jauhar on the expedition against Marathas. At the same time he made correspondence with Mughals to attack Shivaji. Accordingly, Shaista Khan attacked from Northern side towards Pune.

Siddi Jauhar laid the siege to fort Panhala. All attempts to raise the siege were foiled. Shivaji's senapati (Commander) Netaji Palkar could not break through the siege from outside. Hence Shivaji decided to give a final battle. But instead of suicidal attack, he followed a different strategy. A grand escape was planned to give a battle from the fort Vishalgarh.

Battle

Composition of Adilshahi forces

It consisted of selected cavalry of Adilshahi which was well known under the command of Siddi Jauhar assisted by Siddi Masud and Fazal Khan. Jasvantrao Dalvi of Palavani and Surve of Sringarpur laid siege to Vishalgarh.

Composition of Maratha forces

Shivaji was assisted by his Sardar Bajiprabhu, Jadhavrao, Bandal and many more. However, the light infantry forces were limited around 600. They consisted of hardened mountaineers of maval region who had remained historically unconquered till that time.

Movement and clash of forces

According to the plan, on the dead of the full moon night, Shivaji passed through the siege along with some 300 men, led by Bajiprabhu. The enemy chased and caught some portion of his troops. The caught king turned out to be an imposter of Shivaji. He was a barber, namely Shiva Kashid. This heroic sacrifice gave the fleeing Maratha force some breathing space.

The enemy started the chase once again, led by Siddi Masood, son-in-law of Siddi Johar. By that time, Shivaji had reached a strategic location, Ghod Khind (Horse Pass), a gorge. It was very narrow so as to pass only a few soldiers at a time. Bajiprabhu Deshpande, a gallant general along with his Bandal sena took the position to defend the pass till Shivaji reached another fort, Vishalgad.

Shivaji attacked another siege at the base of fort Vishalgad with such vigour that it was broken. Meanwhile, Baji Prabhu, his brother Fulaji and Sambhaji Jadhav successfully defended the pass with 300 soldiers. He was badly wounded, but he gave up only when he heard the sound of cannons blasted by Shivaji from the fort, indicating that he had reached safely. The pass is now known as "Pävan Khind" - The Sacred Pass. After crossing the pass, the enemy attacked Shivaji at Fort Vishalgad. But again they were fiercely beaten by Rango Narayan Sarpotdar, Shivaji's young officer on the Fort, and repulsed with heavy losses. They left the battlefield never to return again. To please Siddi Jauhar, Shivaji vacated the fort Panhala.

Honour

The sword of honour was given to Bandal. Shivaji personally visited the house of slain Baji Prabhu, situated in the village of Kasabe Sindh in the Raigad district. His elder son was offered job as chief of a section. Other 7 sons were given honour of the Palkhi. Son of Slain Sambhaji Jadhav, Dhanaji Jadhav was inducted in the forces.

Outcome

This was the last major battle between Adilshahi forces and Marathas. Hereafter Marathas were recognised as an independent power. The sacrifice of Bajiprabhu and Shiva barber is a legend itself.Even today youths trek on the route taken by Shivaji between the forts of Panhala and Vishal Gadh. The distance is around 70 km.

Casualties

The total casualties of this battle was 3,000 on Adilshahi side and 300 on Maratha side. It was a bloody battle. Almost all Maratha troops laid their life to save their king.

References

*Grant Duff - "History of Marathas"
*S.D.Samant - "Vedh Mahamanvacha"
*Kasar D.B. - "Rigveda to Raigarh making of Shivaji the great"
*Bahekar Arjun - "House of Sindhkhedkar Jadhavas'