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== Battle ==
Tanaji Malusare, accompanied by a small contingent of [[Marathi people|Maratha]] troops, embarked on a daring night assault to reclaim [[Sinhagad|Sinhagad Fort]]. The mission was fraught with peril, as the fort was heavily guarded by [[Mughal Empire|Mughal forces]] under the commandone of Udaybhan Rathod, a formidable warrior in his own right. Under the coverfirst offorts darkness,which TanajiShivaji andrecaptured his men scaledfrom the steep and treacherous cliffs of the fort using innovative tactics and sheer determination. They encountered fierce resistance but managed to breach the fort's defensesMughals. The battlecapture was fiercemade andpossible intense,by with hand-to-hand combat beingscaling the orderwalls of theat night. Tanaji Malusare led from the front, inspiring his troops with hisrope braveryladders. The tide of the battle turned in favor of the Marathas due to their relentless assault and strategic prowess. Despite the overwhelming odds, [[Tanaji Malusare]] andwas hismartyred, troops managed to securebut the fort. However, Tanaji himself was mortallycaptured wounded in the final stages of the battle. His death was a profound loss forby the Marathas, but his sacrifice became a symbol of ultimate bravery and dedication. The Marathas'battle victoryand at Sinhagad Fort was a significant morale booster for Shivaji MaharajTanaji's forcesexploits and a critical setback forare the Mughal Empire in their efforts to dominate the region. The recapturebasis of thea fortpopular demonstrated the Maratha's tactical brilliance and their unwavering resolve to defend theirMarathi sovereigntyballad.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gordon|first=Stewart|title=The Marathas 1600-1818|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iHK-BhVXOU4C&pg=PA79|volume=2|year=1993|publisher=Cambridge University Press|page=79|isbn=9780521033169|quote=The first and most spectacular success was the capture of Sinhagad fort. It was taken by scaling very difficult walls by the means of rope ladders in a night raid which culminated in a hand to hand combat inside the fort. The raid was led by Tanhaji Malsure, who was killed in the battle.}}</ref>
== Aftermath ==
When Shivaji was informed about the victory and the loss of Tanaji's life during the battle, he exclaimed "Gad aala pan sinh gela" (Devnagari: गड आला पण सिंह गेला) (English: "The fort has been captured but we lost the lion"). A bust of Tanaji Malusare was installed at the fort in memory of his contribution and sacrifice. The Battle of Sinhagad remains etched in the annals of history as a testament to Maratha valor and military strategy. Tanaji Malusare is celebrated as a hero, and his sacrifice is commemorated in various forms, including memorials and folklore. The battle also highlighted the strategic importance of Sinhagad Fort and its role in the broader conflict between the Maratha Empire and the Mughal Empire. In contemporary India, the story of the Battle of Sinhagad is often recounted as an example of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. The fort itself stands as a monument to this historic confrontation, attracting visitors who seek to learn about and pay tribute to this pivotal moment in Indian history. In summary, the Battle of Sinhagad is not merely a historical event; it is a symbol of the Maratha Empire's resilience and the enduring spirit of its warriors. It underscores the profound impact of leadership, strategy, and valor in shaping the course of history.<ref name="Verma">{{cite book|title=Forts of India|last=Verma|first=Amrit|publisher=The Director, Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India|pages=83–86|location=New Delhi|isbn=81-230-1002-8|date=2003}}</ref> The fort was also renamed [[Sinhagad]] to honour his memory.{{cn|date=September 2023}}
== In popular culture ==
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