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{{Infobox royalty
{{Short description|Maratha general of 17th century}}{{More citations needed|date=August 2023}}{{Infobox person
| name           = Veer Baji Prabhu Deshpande
| name               = Baji Prabhu Deshpande
| image         = Baji Prabhu Deshpande Statue in Panhala Fort.jpg
| image             = Baji Mahadji Prabhu Deshpande.jpg
| caption       = Baji Prabhu Deshpande Statue in Panhala Fort
| caption           = Posthumous sketch of Baji Prabhu Deshpande
| succession    = Minister to Shivaji<br>''Sardar'' of Ambarnath
| other_names        =  
| reign          =  
| birth_date        = {{circa|1615}}
| coronation    =
| birth_place       = Shind, [[Ahmadnagar Sultanate]]<br/>(modern day [[Pune district]], Maharashtra, India)
| birth_date  = est. 1615
| death_date         = {{death date and age|1660|1615|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Shind, [[Bhor taluk|Bhor]]<br/>[[Pune district]], ([[Maharashtra]])
| death_place       = Ghod Khind, [[Bijapur Sultanate|Bijapur]], [[Mughal Empire]] <br/>(modern day Pavan Khind, [[Kolhapur district]], Maharashtra, India)
| death_date = 1660{{cn|reason=the accolade section says 13th july, not 14th|date=March 2018}} <!--14/07/ or 13/07/-->
| nationality        =  
| death_place = Pavan Khind at [[Vishalgad]]<br>([[Kolhapur district]], Maharashtra)  
| occupation        =  
| spouse        =
| known_for         = [[Battle of Pavan Khind]]
| issue          =  
| house         =  
| father        =
| mother        =
| titles        =
}}
}}
 
'''Baji Prabhu Deshpande''' ({{circa}} 1615 – 1660)<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2022 |title=Baji Prabhu Deshpande Death Anniversary: What transpired at Pawankhind |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/baji-prabhu-deshpande-death-anniversary-what-transpired-at-pawankhind}}</ref> was a general of the [[Maratha Army|Maratha army]].<ref>{{Cite journal |editor-last=Tripathi |editor-first=Anuj |title=Baji Prabhu Deshpande Death Anniversary |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/baji-prabhu-deshpande-death-anniversary-what-transpired-at-pawankhind |journal=The Free Press Journal}}</ref> He is known for his role in the [[Battle of Pavan Khind]], where he sacrificed his life defending [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]] from Siddi Jauhar's [[Sultanate of Bijapur|Bijapur]] forces.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sawant |first=Indrajit |title=Parnalparvat Panhalgad}}</ref> He also was a landlord or ''[[Vatandar]]'' in the [[Maval]] region.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}
'''Baji Prabhu Deshpande''' ({{circa}} 1615–1660) was a commander of [[Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]], the founder of the [[Maratha empire]].<ref>{{Cite journal |editor-last=Tripathi |editor-first=Anuj |title=Baji Prabhu Deshpande Death Anniversary |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/baji-prabhu-deshpande-death-anniversary-what-transpired-at-pawankhind |journal=The Free Press Journal}}</ref> Baji Prabhu is linked with an important rear guard battle enabling Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's escape from [[Panhala fort]]; he was the hero who sacrificed his life for Swarajya.


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Baji Prabhu was 15 years older than Shivaji Maharaj, which indicates he was born around 1615. He was born in a Marathi Prabhu(Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu) family.<ref name="kantak">{{cite journal |last=Kantak |first=M. R.|title=The Political Role of Different Hindu Castes and Communities in Maharashtra in the Foundation of the Shivaji Maharaj's Swarajya |journal=Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute |date=1978 |volume=38 |issue=1 |page=46 |jstor=42931051}}</ref><ref name="gokhale">{{cite book | title = Poona in the eighteenth century: an urban history | author= Balkrishna Govind Gokhale | page = 112 | publisher = Oxford University Press | year= 1988 |quote = "The early great hero of the CKP community was Baji Prabhu Deshpande, who sacrificed his own life in 1660 to enable Shivaji Maharaj to escape the Mughals at Vishalgad."}}</ref>Earlier he worked under Krishnaji Bandal of Rohida near [[Bhor]]. After Shivaji Maharaj defeated Krishnaji at Rohida and captured the fort and many commanders along with Bajiprabhu joined Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pagdi |first1=Setumadhava Rao |title=Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj |date=1974 |publisher=Continental Prakashan |pages=72 |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Chhatrapati_Shivaji/BKwdAAAAMAAJ?hl=en |language=en}}</ref>
Baji Prabhu was born around 1615 in a [[Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu]] family.<ref name="gokhale">{{cite book | title = Poona in the eighteenth century: an urban history | first= Balkrishna Govind |last=Gokhale |author-link=Balkrishna Govind Gokhale | page = 112 | publisher = Oxford University Press | year= 1988 |quote = "The early great hero of the CKP community was Baji Prabhu Deshpande, who sacrificed his own life in 1660 to enable Shivaji Maharaj to escape the Mughals at Vishalgad."}}</ref> Earlier he worked under Krishnaji Bandal of Rohida near [[Bhor]]. After Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated Krishnaji at Rohida and captured the fort, many commanders including Baji Prabhu joined [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pagdi |first1=Setumadhava Rao |title=Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj |date=1974 |publisher=Continental Prakashan |pages=72 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BKwdAAAAMAAJ |language=en}}</ref><ref name="kantak">{{cite journal |last=Kantak |first=M. R. |date=1978 |title=The Political Role of Different Hindu Castes and Communities in Maharashtra in the Foundation of the Shivaji Maharaj's Swarajya |journal=Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute |volume=38 |issue=1 |page=46 |jstor=42931051 |quote=Among Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's [chandraseniya] kayastha prabhu officers, the names of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Murarbaji Deshpande, Babaji Prabhu and Yeshwantrao Buvaji Prabhu have become famous in Maratha history. Baji Prabhu fell fighting against the forces of the Bijapur government near Vishalgad in 1660. Murarbaji died a hero's death while defending the fort of Purandar against the Mughal forces of Jaisingh in 1665}}</ref>


==Battle of Pavan Khind==
==Battle of Pavan Khind==
{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2021}}
{{main article|Battle of Pavan Khind}}
{{main article|Battle of Pavan Khind}}
[[File:Shivaji Maharaj and Baji Prabhu at Pawan Khind.jpg|thumb|A 20th century depiction of Shivaji Maharaj and Baji Prabhu at Pavan Khind by [[M.V. Dhurandhar]].]]
[[File:Shivaji Maharaj and Baji Prabhu at Pawan Khind.jpg|thumb|A 20th century depiction of Baji Prabhu with [[Shivaji]] at Pavan Khind by [[M.V. Dhurandhar]].]]
After defeating [[Afzal Khan (general)|Afzal Khan]] and the rout of the [[Bijapur Sultanate|Bijapuri]] army at [[Pratapgad]], chatrapati Shivaji maharaj continued to push deep into Bijapuri territory. Within a few days, the [[Maratha]]s captured [[Panhala]] fort (near the city of [[Kolhapur]]). Meanwhile, another Maratha force, led by [[Netaji Palkar]], pushed straight on towards Bijapur. Bijapur repulsed this attack, forcing Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj, some of his commanders and soldiers to retreat to Panhala fort.
After defeating [[Afzal Khan (general)|Afzal Khan]] and routing the [[Bijapur Sultanate|Bijapur]] army at [[Pratapgad]], Shivaji continued to push into the Bijapur territory. Within a few days, the [[Maratha]]s captured [[Panhala]] fort. Meanwhile, another Maratha force, led by [[Netaji Palkar]], pushed towards Bijapur. Bijapur forces repulsed this attack, forcing Shivaji, some of his commanders and soldiers to retreat to Panhala fort.
 
The Bijapur troops were led by Siddi Jauhar, an [[Ethiopia|Abyssinian]] general. Discovering Shivaji's location, Jauhar laid siege to Panhala. Netaji Palkar made repeated attempts to break the siege from outside, but these failed.
 
A risky plan was then put into action: Shivaji, Baji Prabhu Deshpande with a select band of troops would attempt to break through the siege at the night, and make for [[Vishalgadh|Vishalgad]]. In order to deceive the Bijapur forces, to avoid a chase if they found out that Shivaji had broken the siege, Shiva Kashid a barber by profession, had physical resemblance to Shivaji, volunteered to dress like the king and let himself be captured.


The Bijapuri force was led by Siddhi Johar, an [[Ethiopia|Abyssinian]] general. Discovering Shivaji Maharaj's location, Johar laid siege to [[Panhala]]. Netaji Palkar made repeated attempts to break the Bijapuri siege from outside, but these failed.
At night, Shivaji, broke through the siege. They were pursued by the Bijapur force. As planned, Shiva Kashid allowed himself to be captured and taken back to the Bijapur camp, guessing that he would be put to death once the charade was discovered. This gave the fleeing Maratha force some breathing space.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2015-08-15 |title=Shivaji, Baji Prabhu & the Battle of Pavan Khind {{!}} Sanskriti - Hinduism and Indian Culture Website |url=https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/shivaji-baji-prabhu-the-battle-of-pavan-khind/ |access-date=2023-11-11 |language=en-US}}</ref>


Finally, a risky plan was put into action: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Baji Prabhu Deshpande with a select band of troops would attempt to break through the siege at the night, and make for [[Vishalgadh|Vishalgad]]. In order to deceive the Bijapuri forces, to avoid a chase if they found out that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had broken the siege, Shiva Kashid a barber by profession, who had an uncanny physical resemblance to Shivaji Maharaj, volunteered to dress like the king and let himself be captured.
As soon as the Bijapur force realized their mistake, the chase was on again, led by [[Siddi Masud]], the son-in-law of Siddi Jauhar. Near the pass of Ghodkhind (Horse's Pass), the Marathas made a final stand. Shivaji and half of the Maratha force pushed for Vishalgadh, while Baji Prabhu, his brother Phulaji and the remaining ''Bandal Sena'' of a few hundred men blocked the pass and fought off the pursuing Bijapur soldiers for more than 18 hours.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Duff |first=James Grant |author-link=James Grant Duff |url=https://www.ibiblio.org/britishraj/Duff.html |title=A History of the Mahrattas |publisher=Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green |year=1826 |location=London |pages=151-153 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Kincaid |first=Dennis |author-link=Dennis Kincaid |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.8382/page/n115 |title=The Grand Rebel: An Impression of Shivaji, Founder of the Maratha Empire |publisher=Collins |year=1936 |pages=127-128 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sarkar |first=Jadunath |url=http://archive.org/details/shivajihistimes00sarkrich |title=Shivaji and his times |date= |publisher=Longmans, Green and co. |others=University of California Libraries |year=1920 |edition=2nd |location=London, New York |pages=83-85}}</ref>


On a stormy full moon's night (night of Guru Pournima, Ashadh Paurnima) 600 men led by Baji Prabhu and Shivaji Maharaj, broke through the siege. They were pursued by the Bijapuri force. As planned, Shiva Kashid allowed himself to be captured and taken back to the Bijapuri camp, guessing that he would be put to death once the charade was discovered. This gave the fleeing Maratha force some breathing space.
Through the battle, Baji Prabhu, continued fighting though grievously injured, inspiring his men to fight on until Shivaji's safe journey to Vishalgadh was signaled by the firing cannons.


As soon as the Bijapuri force realized their mistake, the chase was on again, led by Siddhi Masood, the son-in-law of Siddhi Johar. Near the pass of Ghodkhind (Horse's Pass), the Marathas made a final stand. Shivaji Maharaj and half of the Maratha force pushed for Vishalgadh, while Baji Prabhu, his brother Phulaji and the remaining ''Bandal Sena'' of a few hundred men blocked the pass and fought against 10000 Bijapuri soldiers in the ''Ghodkhind Pass'' for more than 18 hours.
The Ghod Khind pass was subsequently named ''Pavan Khind'' ("Holy Pass") by Shivaji, in honor of the sacrifice of Baji Prabhu and his troops.<ref name=":0" />


Tradition and myth, describe feats of bravery shown by the Marathas during this rear-guard action. Baji Prabhu used a weapon called "Dand Patta". Through the battle, Baji Prabhu, though apparently heavily injured, continued fighting, inspiring his men to fight on until Shivaji Maharaj's safe journey to Vishalgadh was signaled by the firing of three cannon volleys. It should be mentioned that when Shivaji Maharaj approached Vishalgad with 300 men, the fort was already under siege by Bijapuri sardars named Suryarao Surve and Jaswantrao Dalvi. Shivaji Maharaj with his 300 men had to defeat Surve to reach the fort.
==Descendants ==
Baji Prabhu Deshpande was born in [[Bhor]], Maharashtra.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}


The Ghodkhind pass was subsequently named ''Pavan Khind'' ("Holy Pass") by Shivaji Maharaj, in honor of the sacrifice of Baji Prabhu and his troops.{{cn|date=February 2022}}
Vishnu Narayan Deshpande, the 10th descendant and former [[Sarpanch|Sarapanch]] of Parhar Budruk, was a freedom fighter. His wife Latika Deshpande was a relative of the author [[Ram Ganesh Gadkari]]. The family has a relationship with the family of [[Rango Bapuji Gupte]]. Vishnu Narayan Deshpande had four sons and four daughters. His son Dilip Deshpande helped people displaced by dam building, and farming is their family business. The family conducts social work and is aware of the legacy of Baji Prabhu.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}


==Descendants==
One of Baji Prabhu Despande's descendants, Ramchandra Kashinath Deshpande, was an Indian freedom fighter against the British rule, an educationalist and a social activist who worked in [[Dhule]] and [[Jalgaon]]. He participated in the [[Quit India Movement]] during the British rule and was imprisoned for 19 months in the Kolhapur Central Jail. He was congratulated after Independence by the then Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]]. For his social work, he was given the title of 'Special Executive Magistrate' by the Maharashtra government in 1989.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/shivaji-lieutenants-heir-files-plea-against-maharashtra-government/article6797707.ece|title=Shivaji lieutenant's heir files plea against Maharashtra government|newspaper=The Hindu |date=January 17, 2015|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-freedom-fighter-s-land-used-as-cremation-ground-daughter-moves-bombay-high-court-2057125|title=Freedom fighter's land used as cremation ground, daughter moves Bombay High Court|website=DNA India}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=February 2023}}
The village Parhar bk, situated in Hirdas mawal was a part of 'watan' of Vir Bajiprabhu Deshpande. The descendants of Vir Bajiprabhu Deshpande still live there. The other branch of decendants live in Malwadi, taluka Bhor. They have been continuing the glorious heritage of their great ancestors.Late Mr Vishnu Narayan Deshpande, 10 th decendant and former Sarapanch of Parhar bk, was a great freedom fighter. His wife late Mrs Latika Deshpande was relative of the great author Mr Ram Ganesh Gadkari. The family has relationship with the family of Mr. Rango Bapuji Gupte.
Mr. Vishnu Deshpande had four sons and four daughters. His son Mr Dilip Deshpande champions the cause of dam affected displaced people and their rehabilitation. Farming is their family business. The whole family does social work and is aware of the great legacy handed down by previous generations..
One of Baji Prabhu's descendant, Ramchandra Kashinath Deshpande, was an Indian freedom fighter against the British rule, educationalist and social activist who worked in [[Dhule]], [[Jalgaon]], and Pune for encouraging education. He participated in the [[Quit India Movement]] during the British rule and was imprisoned for 19 months in the Kolhapur Central Jail. He was felicitated after Independence by the then Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]]. For his social work he was given the title of ‘Special Executive Magistrate’ by the Maharashtra government in 1989. Also, recently his daughter, ''Priya Anant Raje'', has filed a court case in Bombay High Court against the Maharashtra government because the land allotted to Ramchandra Kashinath Deshpande had been categorised as 'forest land' and was being used as a cremation ground. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/shivaji-lieutenants-heir-files-plea-against-maharashtra-government/article6797707.ece|title=Shivaji lieutenant's heir files plea against Maharashtra government}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-freedom-fighter-s-land-used-as-cremation-ground-daughter-moves-bombay-high-court-2057125|title=Freedom fighter's land used as cremation ground, daughter moves Bombay High Court}}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
*In 1909, [[Sri Aurobindo]] composed an English poem titled ''[https://www.aurobindo.ru/workings/sa/05/0165_e.htm Baji Prabhou]'', describing his heroic sacrifice at the battle at the [[Panhala Fort]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_rM1DgAAQBAJ&pg=PA272|title=Mapping the Nation: An Anthology of Indian Poetry in English, 1870–1920|publisher=Anthem Press|date=June 25, 2012|isbn=9781783080755}}</ref>
[[File:BajiPrabhu Statue Panhalgad.jpg|thumb|Baji Prabhu Statue, [[Panhala Fort]].]]
* ''Baji Prabhu Deshpande'', an Indian [[silent film]] on the warrior was made by [[Baburao Painter]] in 1929. Another silent film, ''Veer Baji'', released in the same year and was produced by Omkar Films.<ref name="RajadhyakshaWillemen1999">{{cite book|last1=Rajadhyaksha|first1=Ashish|last2=Willemen|first2=Paul|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian cinema|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopaediaofi0000raja|url-access=registration|accessdate=12 August 2012|year=1999|publisher=British Film Institute}}</ref>
*In 1909, [[Sri Aurobindo]] composed an English poem titled ''Baji Prabhou'', describing his heroic sacrifice at the battle at the [[Panhala Fort]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_rM1DgAAQBAJ&pg=PA272|title=Mapping the Nation: An Anthology of Indian Poetry in English, 1870–1920|publisher=Anthem Press|date=June 25, 2012|isbn=9781783080755}}</ref>
* Indian independence activist and politician [[Vinayak Damodar Savarkar]] wrote a Ballad on Baji Prabhu but it was banned by the colonial British government. This ban was lifted on May 24th, 1946.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nzisCQAAQBAJ&pg=PT7755|title=Censorship: A World Encyclopedia|publisher=Routledge|date=December 1, 2001|isbn=9781136798634|editor=Derek Jones}}</ref>
* ''Baji Prabhu Deshpande'', an Indian [[silent film]] about Baji Prabhu was made by [[Baburao Painter]] in 1929. Another silent film, ''Veer Baji'', released in the same year and was produced by Omkar Films.<ref name="RajadhyakshaWillemen1999">{{cite book|last1=Rajadhyaksha|first1=Ashish|last2=Willemen|first2=Paul|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian cinema|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopaediaofi0000raja|url-access=registration|accessdate=12 August 2012|year=1999|publisher=British Film Institute|isbn=9780851706696 }}</ref>
* [[Ajinkya Deo]] portrayed Baji Prabhu in 2021 series ''Jai Bhawani Jai Shivaji'' aired on [[Star Pravah]].
* Indian independence activist and politician [[Vinayak Damodar Savarkar]] wrote a ballad about Baji Prabhu but it was banned by the colonial British government. This ban was lifted on 24 May 1946.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nzisCQAAQBAJ&pg=PT7755|title=Censorship: A World Encyclopedia|publisher=Routledge|date=December 1, 2001|isbn=9781136798634|editor-first=Derek |editor-last=Jones}}</ref>
* Baji Prabhu's character was played by [[Raja Shivchhatrapati (TV series)|Raja Shivchhatrapati]] in the TV series [[Star Pravah]] in the 2000s.
* [[Ajinkya Deo]] portrayed Baji Prabhu in 2021 series ''Jai Bhawani Jai Shivaji'' which aired on [[Star Pravah]].
* A Marathi-language film, ''[[Pawankhind (film)|Pawankhind]]'', directed by Digpal Lanjekar and starring Ajay Purkar as Baji Prabhu Deshpande, was released on 18 February 2022.
* A Marathi-language film, ''[[Pawankhind (film)|Pawankhind]]'', directed by Digpal Lanjekar and starring Ajay Purkar as Baji Prabhu Deshpande, was released on 18 February 2022.
* ''[[Har Har Mahadev]]'', a film directed by Abhijit Deshpande, starring [[Sharad Kelkar]] as Baji Prabhu Deshpande and produced by Zee Studios released 25 October 2022 in 5 language (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, along with Marathi).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-07 |title='Har Har Mahadev' becomes first Marathi film to release in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/har-har-mahadev-becomes-first-marathi-film-to-release-in-tamil-telugu-kannada-1151439.html |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[Har Har Mahadev]]'', a film directed by Abhijit Deshpande, starring [[Sharad Kelkar]] as Baji Prabhu Deshpande and produced by Zee Studios released 25 October 2022 in 5 language (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, along with Marathi).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-07 |title='Har Har Mahadev' becomes first Marathi film to release in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/har-har-mahadev-becomes-first-marathi-film-to-release-in-tamil-telugu-kannada-1151439.html |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>
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==See also==
==See also==
*[[Tanaji Malusare]], another ''[[Sardar]]'' known for his bravery at [[Battle of Kondhana]] (1670).
*[[Tanaji Malusare]], another ''[[Sardar]]'' known for his bravery at [[Battle of Kondhana]] (1670).
*[[Netaji Palkar]], Sardar Senapati (Commander-in-Chief) of Shivaji .
*[[Netaji Palkar]], Sardar Senapati (Commander-in-Chief) of Shivaji.


==References==
==References==
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{{Shivaji}}
{{Shivaji}}
{{Maratha Empire}}
{{Maratha Empire}}
{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Deshpande, Baji Prabhu}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Deshpande, Baji Prabhu}}
[[Category:People from Maharashtra]]
[[Category:17th-century soldiers]]
[[Category:People of the Maratha Empire]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Maharashtra]]
[[Category:People from the Maratha Empire]]
[[Category:Indian military leaders]]
[[Category:Indian military leaders]]
[[Category:1615 births]]
[[Category:1610s births]]
[[Category:1660 deaths]]
[[Category:1660 deaths]]

Latest revision as of 06:11, 5 March 2026

Baji Prabhu Deshpande
Posthumous sketch of Baji Prabhu Deshpande
Bornc. 1615
Shind, Ahmadnagar Sultanate
(modern day Pune district, Maharashtra, India)
Died1660(1660-00-00) (aged 44–45)
Ghod Khind, Bijapur, Mughal Empire
(modern day Pavan Khind, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, India)
Known forBattle of Pavan Khind

Baji Prabhu Deshpande (c. 1615 – 1660)[1] was a general of the Maratha army.[2] He is known for his role in the Battle of Pavan Khind, where he sacrificed his life defending Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Siddi Jauhar's Bijapur forces.[3] He also was a landlord or Vatandar in the Maval region.[citation needed]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Baji Prabhu was born around 1615 in a Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu family.[4] Earlier he worked under Krishnaji Bandal of Rohida near Bhor. After Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated Krishnaji at Rohida and captured the fort, many commanders including Baji Prabhu joined Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.[5][6]

Battle of Pavan Khind[edit | edit source]

Main article: Battle of Pavan Khind
A 20th century depiction of Baji Prabhu with Shivaji at Pavan Khind by M.V. Dhurandhar.

After defeating Afzal Khan and routing the Bijapur army at Pratapgad, Shivaji continued to push into the Bijapur territory. Within a few days, the Marathas captured Panhala fort. Meanwhile, another Maratha force, led by Netaji Palkar, pushed towards Bijapur. Bijapur forces repulsed this attack, forcing Shivaji, some of his commanders and soldiers to retreat to Panhala fort.

The Bijapur troops were led by Siddi Jauhar, an Abyssinian general. Discovering Shivaji's location, Jauhar laid siege to Panhala. Netaji Palkar made repeated attempts to break the siege from outside, but these failed.

A risky plan was then put into action: Shivaji, Baji Prabhu Deshpande with a select band of troops would attempt to break through the siege at the night, and make for Vishalgad. In order to deceive the Bijapur forces, to avoid a chase if they found out that Shivaji had broken the siege, Shiva Kashid a barber by profession, had physical resemblance to Shivaji, volunteered to dress like the king and let himself be captured.

At night, Shivaji, broke through the siege. They were pursued by the Bijapur force. As planned, Shiva Kashid allowed himself to be captured and taken back to the Bijapur camp, guessing that he would be put to death once the charade was discovered. This gave the fleeing Maratha force some breathing space.[7]

As soon as the Bijapur force realized their mistake, the chase was on again, led by Siddi Masud, the son-in-law of Siddi Jauhar. Near the pass of Ghodkhind (Horse's Pass), the Marathas made a final stand. Shivaji and half of the Maratha force pushed for Vishalgadh, while Baji Prabhu, his brother Phulaji and the remaining Bandal Sena of a few hundred men blocked the pass and fought off the pursuing Bijapur soldiers for more than 18 hours.[8][9][10]

Through the battle, Baji Prabhu, continued fighting though grievously injured, inspiring his men to fight on until Shivaji's safe journey to Vishalgadh was signaled by the firing cannons.

The Ghod Khind pass was subsequently named Pavan Khind ("Holy Pass") by Shivaji, in honor of the sacrifice of Baji Prabhu and his troops.[7]

Descendants[edit | edit source]

Baji Prabhu Deshpande was born in Bhor, Maharashtra.[citation needed]

Vishnu Narayan Deshpande, the 10th descendant and former Sarapanch of Parhar Budruk, was a freedom fighter. His wife Latika Deshpande was a relative of the author Ram Ganesh Gadkari. The family has a relationship with the family of Rango Bapuji Gupte. Vishnu Narayan Deshpande had four sons and four daughters. His son Dilip Deshpande helped people displaced by dam building, and farming is their family business. The family conducts social work and is aware of the legacy of Baji Prabhu.[citation needed]

One of Baji Prabhu Despande's descendants, Ramchandra Kashinath Deshpande, was an Indian freedom fighter against the British rule, an educationalist and a social activist who worked in Dhule and Jalgaon. He participated in the Quit India Movement during the British rule and was imprisoned for 19 months in the Kolhapur Central Jail. He was congratulated after Independence by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. For his social work, he was given the title of 'Special Executive Magistrate' by the Maharashtra government in 1989.[11][12][verification needed]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

Baji Prabhu Statue, Panhala Fort.
  • In 1909, Sri Aurobindo composed an English poem titled Baji Prabhou, describing his heroic sacrifice at the battle at the Panhala Fort.[13]
  • Baji Prabhu Deshpande, an Indian silent film about Baji Prabhu was made by Baburao Painter in 1929. Another silent film, Veer Baji, released in the same year and was produced by Omkar Films.[14]
  • Indian independence activist and politician Vinayak Damodar Savarkar wrote a ballad about Baji Prabhu but it was banned by the colonial British government. This ban was lifted on 24 May 1946.[15]
  • Baji Prabhu's character was played by Raja Shivchhatrapati in the TV series Star Pravah in the 2000s.
  • Ajinkya Deo portrayed Baji Prabhu in 2021 series Jai Bhawani Jai Shivaji which aired on Star Pravah.
  • A Marathi-language film, Pawankhind, directed by Digpal Lanjekar and starring Ajay Purkar as Baji Prabhu Deshpande, was released on 18 February 2022.
  • Har Har Mahadev, a film directed by Abhijit Deshpande, starring Sharad Kelkar as Baji Prabhu Deshpande and produced by Zee Studios released 25 October 2022 in 5 language (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, along with Marathi).[16]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Baji Prabhu Deshpande Death Anniversary: What transpired at Pawankhind". July 12, 2022.
  2. ↑ Tripathi, Anuj (ed.). "Baji Prabhu Deshpande Death Anniversary". The Free Press Journal.
  3. ↑ Sawant, Indrajit. Parnalparvat Panhalgad.
  4. ↑ Gokhale, Balkrishna Govind (1988). Poona in the eighteenth century: an urban history. Oxford University Press. p. 112. The early great hero of the CKP community was Baji Prabhu Deshpande, who sacrificed his own life in 1660 to enable Shivaji Maharaj to escape the Mughals at Vishalgad.
  5. ↑ Pagdi, Setumadhava Rao (1974). Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Continental Prakashan. p. 72.
  6. ↑ Kantak, M. R. (1978). "The Political Role of Different Hindu Castes and Communities in Maharashtra in the Foundation of the Shivaji Maharaj's Swarajya". Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute. 38 (1): 46. JSTOR 42931051. Among Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's [chandraseniya] kayastha prabhu officers, the names of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Murarbaji Deshpande, Babaji Prabhu and Yeshwantrao Buvaji Prabhu have become famous in Maratha history. Baji Prabhu fell fighting against the forces of the Bijapur government near Vishalgad in 1660. Murarbaji died a hero's death while defending the fort of Purandar against the Mughal forces of Jaisingh in 1665
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Shivaji, Baji Prabhu & the Battle of Pavan Khind | Sanskriti - Hinduism and Indian Culture Website". 2015-08-15. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  8. ↑ Duff, James Grant (1826). A History of the Mahrattas. London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green. pp. 151–153.
  9. ↑ Kincaid, Dennis (1936). The Grand Rebel: An Impression of Shivaji, Founder of the Maratha Empire. Collins. pp. 127–128.
  10. ↑ Sarkar, Jadunath (1920). Shivaji and his times. University of California Libraries (2nd ed.). London, New York: Longmans, Green and co. pp. 83–85.
  11. ↑ "Shivaji lieutenant's heir files plea against Maharashtra government". The Hindu. January 17, 2015 – via www.thehindu.com.
  12. ↑ "Freedom fighter's land used as cremation ground, daughter moves Bombay High Court". DNA India.
  13. ↑ Mapping the Nation: An Anthology of Indian Poetry in English, 1870–1920. Anthem Press. June 25, 2012. ISBN 9781783080755.
  14. ↑ Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (1999). Encyclopaedia of Indian cinema. British Film Institute. ISBN 9780851706696. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  15. ↑ Jones, Derek, ed. (December 1, 2001). Censorship: A World Encyclopedia. Routledge. ISBN 9781136798634.
  16. ↑ "'Har Har Mahadev' becomes first Marathi film to release in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada". Deccan Herald. 2022-10-07. Retrieved 2022-10-09.

External links[edit | edit source]

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