"Pavankhind (पावनखिंड)" a Marathi novel by Ranjeet Desai. This book was first published in 1981.
Everyone who knows Maratha history and Chatrapati Shivaji's achievements also knows the story of Bajiprabhu Deshpande (बाजीप्रभू देशपांडे). This novel is on the legendry battle of Pavankind (पावन खिंड) where Bajiprabhu made his last stand. Pavan means sacred and khind means pass. This was the battle at a mountain pass called Pavan Khind (The sacred pass).
The story starts showing Bajiprabhu's sense of justice and ability to identify and encourage talent. Baji is the Pradhan (Prime minister) of Bandal Deshmukh of Mawal. Shivaji wants them to join him against Mughals. Baji rejects. A war ensues and Shivaji wins. Baji challenges him for a duel. Shivaji refuses, appeals to his patriotism and emotions and recruits him. He is handed the responsibility of reconstruction and fortification of fort Jaslod. Baji completes the job beyond expectation.
Afzalkhan, Adilshah's military commander, attacks Maratha territory. Shivaji kills Afzal. Vijapur's Adilshah can not digest the defeat and sends Siddhi Johar on Swarajya (स्वराज्य) Onus is on Shivaji, assisted by his trusted aids including Bajiprabhu Deshpande, to save the Swarajya (स्वराज्य). Siddhi Johar attacks and lays siege to Panhala (पन्हाळा). Shivaji is at Panhala with Baji. Shahistekhan attacks and captures Pune. This is a double whammy.
Shivaji decides to escape thru the siege on foot. He and Baji select 600 soldiers and escape. Shivaji's barber acts as decoy and sacrifices his life. Siddhi Johar's knight Masood chases Shivaji on horses. Masood would catch up before Shivaji reaches Khelna (खेळणा).
When they reach Gajakhind, a mountain pass, Bajiprabhu asks Shivaji to take 300 soldiers with him to Khelna and promises that not a single enemy soldier will cross the pass until Shivaji's arrival at Khelna is confirmed by canon fire.
This is where Baji along with his elder brother Fulaji and 300 soldiers made their last stand. Baji fought like a typhoon. No one could kill him. Enemy was terrified by his bravery. Finally he was shot from long distance. However he did not take his last breath until he heard canon fire. He died after fulfilling his promise.
The epic battle of Pavankhind alone can not become a novel. Hence novel starts with the recruitment of Bajiprabhu, how he worked with Shivaji and how the relationship was built and then takes us to the events that led to Shivaji breaking through the siege of Panhala to reach Khelna, later renamed Vishalgad. How he was chased and how Bajiprabhu made his last stand with 300 people against more than a thousand and defended the pass till the canon fire confirmed that Shivaji had reached Khelna.
Bajiprabhu's contribution does not stop at one battle. If he had not succeeded in stopping the enemy at Pavankhind, Shivaji might have been captured and / or killed. The dream of self rule (स्वराज्य) would have remained a dream.
Although this is a small book, the author has developed the characters well. The human element is captured crisply. He has demonstrated that a small but important event can be converted to a novel.
Downside is that actual battle starts after 140 pages out of 157. There are also some errors. The pass is mostly called gajakhind sometimes it's called ghodkhind.
It's a small and interesting book. You will enjoy it only if you know Maratha history.
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