Pawankhind 2022

Bijapur court challenge to Shivaji's life

In a Bijapur court, Badi Begum proclaims a dare: who would kill Shivaji? Siddi Johar answers with audacity, declaring that he dares to kill Shivaji. Badi Begum offers him a post in Bijapur if he succeeds, and warns she will kill him if he fails.

Panhala Fort besieged by Siddi Johar

Siddi Johar's forces besiege Panhala Fort, cutting off supply routes and pressuring Shivaji's defenses. The bombardment heightens the danger to the garrison as Shivaji plans a retreat. The siege sets the stage for the escape and tactical maneuvers to come.

Siddi Johar arms with grenades and English mercenaries

Siddi Johar purchases grenades from the English at Rajapur and hires English mercenaries to bolster his forces. The new weapons amplify the threat to Shivaji's camp. This alliance with foreign aid complicates the defense.

Shivaji orders Bahirji Naik to find a secret road

Shivaji orders Bahirji Naik to locate a secret route to Vishalgad, offering a possible escape for himself and his men. Bahirji's reconnaissance identifies a hidden path that could outflank the enemy. The plan hinges on swift, stealthy travel through dangerous terrain.

Shivaji escapes Panhala via night; look-alike sent

Under cover of darkness, Shivaji escapes Panhala along the hidden route. A barber named Shiva Kashid is sent as Shivaji's look-alike to meet Siddi Johar, creating a dangerous decoy. The ruse buys time for the real departure and confounds pursuers.

Shiva Kashid is killed at the Siddi camp

At the Siddi Johar camp, Fazal Khan recognizes the impostor. He kills Shiva Kashid, ending Shivaji's decoy and escalating the danger to Shivaji's escape plan. The failure of the decoy redirects attention to Shivaji's real route.

Adilshah's 10,000-strong army pursues

An enormous pursuing force from Adilshah, numbering around 10,000, advances to trap Shivaji and his retreating forces. The larger army heightens the stakes for a successful escape and defense. The pursuit intensifies the decision to split forces.

Baji Prabhu Deshpande prepares to block the pass

Shivaji splits his army and Baji Prabhu Deshpande volunteers to hold the pass of Ghodkhind with only 300 soldiers. His resolve mirrors the broader strategy to protect the retreat by stalling the enemy. The sacrifice begins a critical stand that will decide the fate of the mission.

The battle at Ghodkhind turns deadly

A fierce clash erupts at Ghodkhind as Baji Prabhu's small force faces the vast Adilshah army. Four of his comrades—Fulaji, Aginya, Rayaji Bandal, and Shambusingh Jadhav—are killed in the fighting, while Baji Prabhu is wounded but refuses to yield. The defense buys time for Shivaji's escape and for reinforcement to arrive.

Five hours later: cannons herald Shivaji's return

Five hours after the engagement begins, the cannons are fired signaling Shivaji's safe return to Vishalgad. The defenders endure, and the lead to Vishalgad reinforces the strategic retreat. The dramatic moment confirms the success of the plan despite heavy losses.

Pavankhind renamed in honor of sacrifice

In honor of the 300 Marathas who sacrificed themselves, Shivaji renames Ghodkhind to Pavankhind. The renaming cements the tragedy and courage of the stand as a national memory. The pass becomes a symbol of Maratha valor.

1674: Shivaji recounts the Battle to Sambhaji

The plot frequently shifts back to 1674, where Shivaji Maharaj narrates the tale of Pavankhind to Sambhaji. The narration frames the battle's significance for contemporary audiences. Sambhaji listens as the legend of the pass is kept alive.