Pawankhind - The Indian 300: Saving Chhatrapati Shivaji

Shivaji Maharaj’s life abounds in stories of great heroism and there is no dearth of men as gallant and valiant as Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Netaji Palkar, and Bajirao Peshwa. But the Battle of Pawankhind is a fascinating tale of dedication, loyalty, and bravery. It is a tale of extraordinary bravery when 300 Maratha men were able to save Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj even when they were gravely outnumbered. Baji Prabhu Deshpande stood the guard and he refused to die until he heard the news of Shivaji’s safe passage. The Battle of Pawankhind is a story that has not been told to the future generation. Brandishing swords in both hands, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his men zealously chanted Har Har Mahadev and started the sacrificial duel against the ruthless Adilshahis. A bloody battle ensued with a 1:100 ratio of the jihadi forces trying desperately to break through but Baji Prabhu stood his ground resolutely using his body as a wall to prevent the infiltrators. As expected in any lopsided war, the Maratha forces were increasingly depleted and Baji Prabhu’s body was replete with grave injuries, his body, and face profusely bleeding. But the three canon fire was not heard, how can he die before knowing that Shivaji Maharaj was not safe?