Whenever we mention the name of Shivaji Maharaj, his legendary bravery and intelligence come to mind. One such legend is the Battle of Umberkhind because it’s unique in every aspect. This was a battle won by a few hundred Maratha soldiers through tactics and strategy over thousands of Mughal Soldiers. Shivaji Maharaj and his Generals had fought many battles. The battle of Umberkhind is not that known as it has to be. Many of us might have heard of Baajiprabhu Dheshpande’s sacrifice at Pawan Khind. But the battle of Umberkhind tells a very different tale. It conveys many traits like bravery, love, care and kindness, and above all, the strategic brain of Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivaji Maharaj had established an independent state in the Deccan Plateau region (Dakhhan). At that time, Aurangzeb was the Mughal emperor. He was a sworn enemy of Shivaji Maharaj. At any cost, he wanted Shivaji alive or dead! The Mughlas tried every possible way, but could not get a glimpse of Shivaji Maharaj. To get control over the dakkhan region and regain the lost ground, Auranzeb sent General Shaeesta Khan with a huge army. Shaeesta Khan attacked certain regions and set up his base station at Pune. At that time Konkan region was controlled by Shivaji Maharaj. Shaeesta Khan sent his general Kartalab Khan to conquer the Konkan region. Along with him, he sent Rai Bagan to help with the conquest.
Armed with all kinds of weapons, gold and silver, along with more than 15,000 warriors, Kartalab Khan started for the Konan Region.
The Konkan region is the most difficult terrain with high mountains and deep gorges alongside. One wrong step might cause a fall of 1500-2000 feet. Rai Bagan, a widow of Maratha general Raje Uddhavji Ramji, who worked with the Mughals. (Her story will be in a separate article) She was equally aware of the terrain and its ruggedness. So, Kartalab Khan was advised to take the route of the Talegaon Kamshet region, and then descend Borghat via Lonavala. Once descended, it is a relatively plain terrain to enter the Konkan region. The Marathas were always at odds in terms of numbers while fighting battles with either the Mughals or Adilshah’s army. (Bijapur Sultanate)
All this news of the Mughals planning to conquer Konkan reached Shivaji Maharaj through his spy network. The spies also informed him about the number of soldiers with the General. He never lacked bravery or valour. But he was very keen on one point. He loved his soldiers as his brothers and sons. The lives of his soldiers were dear to him as his own life. An open battle could lead to the massacre of both the troupes. One could not predict the victory. He thought deeply about it and came up with a brilliant idea. Probably, he might have been the first to think of such warfare. He told a strategy to one of his Generals. On hearing that, his eyes widened, and his mind was worshipping Shivaji Maharaj for his intelligence mixed with love.
As per the strategy, a news was spread that Shivaji Maharaj was staying in Kunvande Gaon. This news reached Kartalab Khan, and without giving much thought, he ordered his force to march towards Kunvande Gaon. He was dreaming of capturing Shivaji Maharaj and presenting him before the Badshah Aurangzeb. If he had succeeded in doing that, the Badshah’s happiness would have known no bounds. In his happiness, the Badshah would give Kartalab Khan many presents. He might even make him the Nawab of the Konkan region. With such greedy thoughts, Kartalab Khan and his soldiers marched towards the Kunvande Gaon.
On the way to that village, in the Deccan Plateau, huge mountains and rugged passes are there. One will be walking on a plain road, and suddenly there will be a fall of 1500 feet. Such was the terrain. Without knowing these, the Mughal army walked ahead. There were elephants, horses and other gold and silver, along with the heavy weapons. The Mughal army marched towards Kurvande, passing through Gaaymukh khind - a pass between two forts called Lohgad and Visapur.
As Kartalab Khan and his army approached closer to Kurvande a news reached Kartalab Khan. Shivaji Maharaj was not in Kunvande Gaon, but had just left Kunvande and was in Umber Gaon near Umberkhind. (This news was made to reach the Mughal General on purpose).
Without a second thought, Kartalab Khan ordered his men to march towards UmberKhind Gaon on the trail of Shivaji Maharaj. To reach Umber Gaon, they have to climb deep down. On the order of Kartalab Khan, the entire army descended the very difficult path and climbed down almost 1500 ft.
On the other end, Shivaji Maharaj’s army of brave Maratha warriors was hiding in the trees, peaks, and other secret places they could find.
While the Mughal army was marching down, they were least aware of the situation that one of Shivaji Maharaj’s generals, Netaji Palkar, with a few hundred soldiers, was following them discreetly with a plan to block the return way to Kurvande. As the Mughal army descended, the return path was blocked by the Maratha General’s men.
The situation was tense. The Maratha warriors in hiding were awaiting the arrival of their enemies like a tiger waiting in patience for its prey. Finally, the moment arrived.
The moment Kartalab Khan with his huge force descended to Umberkhind, the Maratha warriors, on the single command from Shivaji Maharaj, started attacking just like hungry tigers. Javelines flew, stones rained, arrows pierced. The unsuspecting Mughal army was flabbergasted. They were attacked from four sides, but the enemies were not visible. One side is completely blocked by a huge mountain, another side is blocked by Maratha General’s soldiers. With whom could they fight? By the time they recovered, a heavy casualty had already been caused by the Maratha army. Piles of wounded and dead Mughal warriors lay there. Kartalab Khan realised that it was a lost battle. So, he sent his negotiator with a white flag and offered to surrender without condition. Thus, the battle of UmberKhind was won by Shivaji Maharaj without losing a single life of a Maratha warrior.
The great epic battle did not end here. The best part is that Shivaji Maharaj pardoned them. Yes! He didn’t kill any Mughal soldiers. He just put down one condition. “The Mughal army must leave all their possessions and leave with the outfit they were wearing.” So many horses, elephants, silver, gold, and all weapons (approx. worth 4 lakhs) came rightfully to Shivaji Maharaj.
In this epic battle and pardon, we all have many lessons to learn. In corporate companies, we often hear the word SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. This word was coined by Albert Humphrey of the USA during the 1960s. He used this analysis to list the Fortune 500 companies. But several hundred years before that, when Humphery was not even born, Shivaji Maharaj used the analysis in his warfare. Let’s break down the analysis..
- He realised that his knowledge of the Deccan Plateau was their greatest strength.
- The number of soldiers in Shivaji Maharaj’s army was much less when compared with the Mughal army. He identified the weakness.
- He decided to create an opportunity so that he could take advantage of the knowledge of the terrain. Creating an opportunity to one’s advantage is a difficult task. It’s a two-edged sword. It could go either way.
- Shivaji Maharaj realised that if he opted for an open battle, all his beloved warriors might be killed in the battle. This threat he understood and devised a foolproof plan. He created a new strategy that later became known as guerrilla warfare.
Isn’t it amazing?
Shivaji Maharaj could have easily killed the Mughal soldiers. But he let them go, because he respected every man’s life. He took all their possessions to warn them and use them for the betterment of his warriors. Another important trait Shivaji Maharaj had was his love for his fellow men. Everyone around him adored him for that. He treated his soldiers as his brothers or Sons. He never let them down. He went to the battlefield himself. Never let others fight for him.
Even today, every February 3rd, a Function is organised in honour of Shivaji Maharaj and the brave warriors who fought with him in Umberkhind.
We have a rich heritage of bravery, Valour, and Kindness. Let’s not forget that. Many young lives could be inspired by Shivaji Maharaj’s life and his battles. Let’s remember our great ancestors and be proud of them.