Bajiprabhu

Baji Prabhu Deshpande is among the most remembered sardars (associates) of Chattrapati Shivaji. The legend of Baji Prabhu is intricately linked with the final battle during Shivaji's escape from Fort Panhala.

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After the shock defeat of Afzal Khan and the rout of the Bijapuri army at Pratapghad, Shivaji counter attacked within few days pushing deep into Bijapuri territory. The Marathi army successfully captured Panhala (near the city of Kolhapur), while another section lead by Netaji Palkar pushed straight on towards Bijapur. The attack on Bijapur was repulsed and Shivaji along with few of his sardars retreated to Panhala to regroup.

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The Bijapuri force was lead by Siddhi Johar, an abyssian general, who put up a siege around Panhala upon finding out Shivaji's location. Repeated attempts by the Netaji Palkar to break the Bijapuri siege from outside , thus allowing Shivaji to escape, failed.

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Finally a very audacious and risky plan was decided in Panhala; Shivaji, Bajiprabhu Deshpande along with a select band of troops were going to attempt to break through the siege at dead of the night and make for Vishalgadh.

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In order to deceive the Bijapuri forces who would give a chase once they found that Shivaji had broken through the siege, Shiva Nahvi, who had an uncanny physical resemblance to Shivaji, volunteered to dress like the king and let himself be captured.

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On a stormy new moon's night a band of 300 hundred select men, lead by Bajiprabhu, and Shivaji broke through the siege and were hotly pursued by the Bijapuri force. As planned Shiva Nahvi allowed himself to be captured and taken back to the Bijapuri camp, fully comprehending that he would be put to death once the charade was discovered. This heroic sacrifice gave the fleeing Marathi force some breathing space.

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As soon as the Bijapuri force realized their mistake the chase was on again, lead by Siddhi Masood ( the son in law of Siddhi Johar). Near the pass of Ghodkhind (Horses Pass), a final desperate stand was made. Shivaji and half of the Maratha pushed for Vishalgadh, while Bajiprabhu and remaining Badal Sena (about 150 men) blocked the pass. The lore speaks of incredible valour displayed by the men during this rear guard action. Through the entire battle , Bajiparbhu ,even though grievously injured, continued fighting, inspiring his men to fight on to the bitter end , to ensure Shivaji's safe arrival at Vishalgadh which was signaled by the firing of three cannons.

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The Khind was subsequently named Pavan Khind (Holy Pass), by Shivaji Maharaja, in honor of the supreme sacrifice of Baji Prabhu and his troops. Shivaji Maharaja also gave honor of the court (manache pahile pan) to the family of Bajiprabhu in recoginition of the supreme scarifice.

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