Shivaji's legendary commander Tanaji Malusare climbed this famous Maharashtra fort on a monitor lizard!

“Adhi lagna Kondanyache, magha Raibacha”

The phrase roughly translates to: “First, the wedding of Kondhana Fort, then my son Raiba’s wedding.”

It’s the famous Battle of Sinhagad. Mood sombre. Tanaji Malusare effortlessly shifts his attention from the preparations for his son Raiba’s wedding to a battle prep. He was called upon to recapture Kondhana Fort from Mughal control. According to Marathi folklore, Tanaji immediately chose duty over personal celebrations and declared the famous line: “Adhi lagna Kondanyache, magha Raibacha.”

The line has since become legendary in Maharashtra, symbolising sacrifice, loyalty, and duty above personal life.

Brief history of the Battle of Sinhagad and the iconic Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad Fort is among the most famous hill forts in Maharashtra, located around 35 km southwest of Pune in the rugged Sahyadri ranges. The fort rises majestically from the valleys surrounding it and stands at an elevation of more than 1,300 meters. It is well-known not only for its magnificent views of the mountains and trekking during the monsoon season, but also for what is considered to be the most famous event in Maratha history – the Battle of Sinhagad, which took place in 1670.

Known in the early days as Kondhana, the fort was strategically located as it dominated many trade and military roads in the Western Ghats. For many years, it changed hands among various dynasties such as Bahamanis, Mughals, Marathas, and finally the British. However, it was the brave feat conducted by Maratha soldier Tanaji Malusare on behalf of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that gave Kondhana a new meaning.

The legendary monitor lizard story

One of the most famous legends associated with Sinhagad Fort is that of the monitor lizard, or “ghorpad” as it is locally known. According to popular folklore, Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare scaled the fort’s near-vertical cliffs with the help of a trained monitor lizard named Yashwanti. Legend says that ropes were tied to the lizard, which then climbed the rocky face of the fort under the cover of darkness. Using these ropes, Tanaji and his troops were able to stealthily ascend the steep cliffs and launch their attack.

Once inside, Tanaji and his small force launched a surprise attack against the Mughal-controlled fort defended by Rajput commander Udaybhan Singh Rathod. A fierce hand-to-hand battle followed in the darkness.

Although Tanaji was eventually killed during combat, his brother Suryaji Malusare continued the assault and succeeded in capturing the fort for the Marathas.

When Shivaji Maharaj learned that the fort had been won but Tanaji had died, he is believed to have uttered one of the most famous lines in Maratha history:

“Gad ala, pan sinh gela”

“The fort is captured, but the lion is lost.”

According to popular belief, Kondhana Fort was thereafter renamed Sinhagad, the “Fort of the Lion” — in honour of Tanaji’s bravery.

Was the monitor lizard story real?

The legend of the monitor lizard is rooted in the folklore of the Marathi people and is widely accepted by modern-day films, books, and even history books. Some scholars argue that there is no historical proof of the event's authenticity. Some theories propose that the use of the term "ghorpad" was metaphorical, and the "skilled climber" referred to could be human rather than an actual lizard. Nevertheless, the story cannot be separated from Sinhagad Fort’s past, and it will continue to attract tourists for years to come.

What travellers will see today

Sinhagad Fort is among the most popular destinations near Pune during the monsoon season when the Sahyadri range turns into a verdant green forest and clouds move across its fortifications. Travellers can visit the monument built in honor of Tanaji Malusare, fort walls and bastions, ruined gateways, and picturesque views of the valleys below. They might be able to find some local food vendors who sell Maharashtrian specialties like pithla-bhakri, curd, and kanda bhaji.

On rainy monsoon days, the fortress will appear to vanish under the clouds.

So, will you visit this for the stories?