Capture of Sinhagad (1693)

In 1693, the task of capturing Sinhagad was entrusted to Nawaji Balkawade and Vithoji Karade. With a force of 5,000 foot soldiers, they defeated the well-equipped Mughal garrison and captured the fort on July 1, 1693.
Battle
In the preceding year, the Marathas had tried to capture Sinhagad by scaling its steep cliffs but were unable to do so due to vigilant patrolling by the fort. This time, the task of capturing the fort was given to commanders Nawaji Balkawade and Vithoji Karake, who commanded a force of 5,000 infantry.<ref name":0" /> The fort was well-defended, and the garrison remained on tenterhooks after the Marathas' previous attempt. On June 30, 1693, Nawaji and Vithoji left Rajmachi with their troops and camped in the forest at the foot of the fort.<ref name":1" />
During the night, a party of men, including Nawaji and Vithoji, was selected to climb the precipice. Using ladders and ropes, they climbed the steep terrain successfully. The Marathas fought a fierce battle and defeated the garrison, capturing the fort on July 1.<ref name":1" /> This victory reminded the Maratha soldiers of the heroic exploits of Tanaji Malusare, who had sacrificed his life in a similar manner while capturing the fort during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj.<ref name":2" />

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