Question

Who defended the fort of Purandar?
A) Murarbaji Deshpande
B) Tanaji Malusare
C) Shiva Kashid
D) Bajiprabhu Deshpande

Answer 1

Hint: The fort of Purandar is situated in the state of Maharashtra, India. The Battle of Purandar occurred between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire in 1665. Shivaji’s army general defended the Purandar fort and was killed on June 2, 1665.

Complete answer:
The Battle of Purandar occurred between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire in 1665. Shivaji Maharaj registered his first major victory at Purandar in 1664. In 1665, the fort was besieged by the Mughal forces, under the command of Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Diler Khan.

Option A) Murarbaji Deshpande: He fought a legendary battle and lost his life while defending the fort of Purandar. He is best remembered for his defence of the Purandar Fort against Diler Khan, a Mughal general who accompanied Mirza Raja Jai Singh, the senior Mughal general.

Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, sent his general Jai Singh to surround Shivaji’s fortress at Purandar with armed forces in order to capture it. During Shivaji’s reign, Murarbaji Deshpande was a general in the Maratha Empire. Despite crumbling defences, Murarbaji and his troops maintained a dogged defence. When the outer walls were breached by the Mughals, Murarbaji and his soldiers were overwhelmingly outnumbered but still, they mounted a fierce counterattack. On June 2, 1665, he was killed by the Mughal forces. Afterwards, Shivaji surrendered and gave up 23 of his fortresses. Thus, it is the correct option.

Option B) Tanaji Malusare: He was a Subedar in Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army and was also a good friend of his. He is known for the role he played in the Battle of Sinhagad (1670), which took place at the fort of Sinhagad against the Mughals, under the Maratha flag. He lost his life in the campaign. Thus, it is an incorrect option.

Option C) Shiva Kashid: He was the personal barber of Chhatrapati Shivaji. He gave his life so that Shivaji could live. He bore a striking resemblance to the Maharaj and was hence used as a body double so that Maharaj could safely escape from the Panhalgad fort. The barber was dressed up like Shivaji and taken along with Shivaji on the secret route. They were spotted, and the Shiva was left behind as bait, while the real Shivaji escaped to Vishalgad. Thus, it is an incorrect option.

Option D) Bajiprabhu Deshpande: He was a commander in Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army, He is associated with an important battle enabling the escape of Chatrapati Shivaji from the fort of Panhala, as he was the one who gave up his life for the king. Thus, it is an incorrect option.

Thus, the correct answer is Option ‘A’ i.e, Murarbaji Deshpande defended the fort of Purandar.

Note: Purandar fort also has a twin fort named Vajragad or Rudramal. It is comparatively smaller than the Purandar fort and is situated on the eastern side of the main fort. Purandar Fort is also known as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle’s son, Sambhaji Raje Bhosle.