Tanhaji
Malusare
’s conquest of Kondhana Fort with 300 men was impressive on its own. But what made it even more significant for the Marathas was the fortress’ strategic value and emotional importance for
Shivaji
Kondhana’s significance for Shivaji: Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj established control of the Kondhana fort as a 16-year-old in 1646. It was one of his first military victories, which is why the fort continued to hold a special place for him emotionally.
Was Kondhana ‘impenetrable’?: The fortress was located in a region that formed as the gateway to the heart of what would later become the Maratha Empire. Whoever controlled it could easily control the region. It was built on the edge of a cliff 760 metres above the ground with natural protection in extremely steep slopes. Hence, it was considerd impenetrable, which made Tanhaji conquering it with just 300 men such an impressive feat
Losing the fortress to the Mughals: The Marathas, under Shivaji, confronted the Mughals from 1657-64, registering several important victories. In 1665, Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb
sent
Rajput
commander Mirza Raja Jai Singh I with a force of 15,000 to defeat Shivaji. After luring several of Shivaji’s commanders into Mughal service, Jai Singh cornered him at Purandar, forcing him to surrender
Treaty of Purandar: After his defeat in 1665, Shivaji signed a treaty with the Mughals, surrendering 23 forts – including Kondhana – apart from agreeing to become a Mughal vassal. This is how his treasured fortress went under Mughal control
Reconquest and the Maratha Empire:In 1670, after relations between Shivaji and the Mughals soured, he launched a massive reconquest. Kondhana was one of the first forts he targetted. The win at Kondhana enabled his armies to win back most of the lost territory within four months. In 1674, Shivaji was crowned the first Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. And it all started with Tanhaji at Kondhana