Question

Find more information about these associates of Shivaji Maharaj: Jiva Mahala, Tanaji Malusare and Bajiprabhu Deshpande.

Answer 1

1. Jiva Mahala: Jiva Mahala was a brave and loyal bodyguard of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. During the meeting with Afzal Khan at Pratapgad, Shivaji Maharaj was attacked by Sayyid Banda. Jiva Mahala immediately came to Maharaj’s rescue and killed Sayyid Banda. Because of his bravery, Shivaji Maharaj’s life was saved. The famous saying “Hota Jiva Mhanun Vachala Shiva” is associated with this incident. Jiva Mahala is remembered for his courage and loyalty.
2. Tanaji Malusare: Tanaji Malusare was one of the trusted associates and brave commanders of Shivaji Maharaj. In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj decided to recapture Kondhana Fort. Tanaji led the attack on the fort and fought the Mughal soldiers with great courage. He sacrificed his life while fighting Udaybhan Rathod. The fort was successfully captured, but Shivaji Maharaj was deeply saddened by Tanaji’s death and said, “Gad ala, pan Sinha gela.” After this, Kondhana was renamed Sinhagad.
3. Bajiprabhu Deshpande: Bajiprabhu Deshpande was a brave and devoted commander of Shivaji Maharaj. When Shivaji Maharaj was escaping from Panhala Fort towards Vishalgad, the enemy army followed him. Bajiprabhu decided to stop the enemy at Ghodkhind so that Maharaj could safely reach Vishalgad. He fought bravely with a small group of soldiers and held back the enemy until he heard the cannon shots announcing Shivaji Maharaj’s safe arrival at Vishalgad. He then sacrificed his life. Ghodkhind was later renamed Pavankhind in his honour.