Tanhaji Malusare[1] was a warrior and commander of Shivaji. A local poet Tulsidas,[a] wrote a powada describing Subhedar Tanhaji's heroics and sacrifice of life in the Battle of Sinhagad, which has since made him a popular figure in Indian folklore.[2][3][4][b]
Tanhaji Kaloji Malusare | |
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Born | Godavli, Javali Taluka, Satara, Maharashtra[citation needed] |
Died | 4 February 1670 Sinhagad, Maharashtra, India |
Allegiance | Maratha Empire |
Service/ | Maratha Army |
Years of service | c. 1640–1670 |
Known for |
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Battles/wars | |
Spouse(s) | Savitri Bai |
Children | Raybaji Malusare |
According to the historian David Hardiman, Kolis were the early helpers of Shivaji in a revolt. Tanhaji Malusare is one such prominent example of a Koli whose name is memorizalized due to his act of capturing the fort of Singhad and handing it to Shivaji.[6] Tanhaji's father's name was Kaloji Malusare.[citation needed]
Malusare was with Shivaji Maharaj around the time when he took his pledge at Rayareshwar's temple to establish a sovereign kingdom. He was part of Maratha troops in the battle of Paratpgad, where Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan.[citation needed]
When Shivaji began his revolt in the following decade, the Kolis were amongst the first to join him under the leadership of the Sirnayak Khemi and they played a leading role in helping Chatrapati Shivaji to consolidate his power. The Koli Tanhaji Malusare, is remembered in Maharashtra to this day for his courage in capturing the almost impregnable fort of Singhad for Shivaji.