The Real Tanaji Malusare: Beyond the Movie

Did you know Tanaji Malusare's story before the movie? As a Maharashtrian, I can assure you that I did. In fact, this story, deeply rooted in Maratha history and culture, is well-known throughout Maharashtra. The words of Subhedar Tanaji and Chhatrapati Shivaji's famous quote, “Gad ala pan Simha gela,” are household sayings that have been passed down through generations.

Accurate Versus Fictional

While the Tanhaji movie is widely appreciated for bringing this story to a broader audience, it's important to note that it deviates significantly from historical facts. The film appears to be only about 40 percent accurate, with the first half being largely fictional.

Introducing Tanaji Malusare: Tanaji Malusare was a valiant warrior and close confidant of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire. Despite the many praises the movie offers, several key figures, such as Tanaji's brother Suryaji Malusare and his uncle Shelar Mama, have a significant role in the actual historical account of the Battle of Kondana (Kondana).

The Battle of Kondana: Historical Reality

The Battle of Kondana in 1670 was a crucial turning point in the struggle against the Mughals. In the movie, the narrative focuses on the dramatic fall of Tanaji, portrayed as a single heroic act. However, the true events were a much more organized and collective effort by the Maratha forces.

The accurate version states that it was actually 80-year-old Shelar Mama, Tanaji's uncle, who led the final assault on Udaybhan. This elderly warrior is believed to have instilled new courage into the retreating Maratha forces by commanding them to either fight and capture the fort or die trying. This bold decision turned the tide of the battle and proved to be the turning point in the war.

The Impact of the Movie

The Tanhaji movie, while aiming to inspire and entertain, unfortunately minimizes the contributions of key Maratha figures like Suryaji Malusare and Shelar Mama. By doing so, it may leave an incomplete and somewhat distorted view of the Battle of Kondana. However, this is a common issue faced by historical films striving to simplify complex events into an engaging narrative.

Conclusion

Historical accuracy is essential when dealing with such well-established narratives. In the case of Tanaji Malusare, it's important to respect and understand the full story to appreciate the true heroes and their contributions. The films like Tanhaji can bring attention to lesser-known historical figures but should be seen as a starting point for further exploration and learning.

Further Reading and Research

For those interested in learning more, I recommend exploring primary sources and historical texts. The detailed accounts of the Battle of Kondana and the lives of Tanaji, Suryaji, and Shelar Mama are fascinating and can provide a deeper understanding of the Maratha Empire's history and its struggle against the Mughals.