Umberkhind, a notable ghat in the Sahyadris, is deeply embedded in the Maratha history, located near the Khemabari village in Khalapur taluk of Raigad district. The geographical significance of Umberkhind, lying on the Khapoli-Poli road and part of the Nain-Maval area, made it a strategic point. The Amba River, originating from the foot of a small cone near Kurnawade village in Maval Taluka, winds through Umarkhandi and the Garmal valley before merging with the Nagothane creek and ultimately the sea. This region, with its rugged terrain and dense forests, was familiar territory to Shivaji Maharaj, who used it to his advantage against the Mughal forces.
The Battle of Umberkhind
Prelude to the Battle
The battle's historical context is set against the backdrop of the first Anglo-Maratha War in 1781. Haripant Phadke, a Peshwa chieftain, guarded the area to prevent British forces from advancing via Kuranwade Ghat. However, the most famous encounter at Umberkhind occurred much earlier, on February 3, 1661, during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
In 1660, Aurangzeb sent Shaista Khan, his uncle and a seasoned general, to subdue Shivaji. Kartalab Khan, a trusted lieutenant of Shaista Khan, was dispatched to capture strategic forts in the Konkan region. Despite Kartalab Khan's vast army of 20,000 troops, his experience was primarily in the open plains of North India, making him ill-prepared for the guerilla warfare tactics of the Marathas.
The Strategic Mastery of Shivaji Maharaj
One of Shivaji's lesser-known but highly effective strategies was his extensive intelligence network. His spies kept him informed of every move the enemy made, allowing him to stay a step ahead. Shivaji also excelled in disinformation tactics, misleading Kartalab Khan to believe he was at Pen in Raigad district. This misinformation led Kartalab to change his route from the wider Bor Ghat to the narrow and treacherous Umberkhind Pass, unknowingly walking into a meticulously planned trap.
The Battle Unfolds
Umberkhind, 2200 feet above sea level, required a descent of 300 feet to Tugaranya, surrounded by dense forests and hills. Kartalab Khan, leading his troops through this narrow pass, faced an ambush by Shivaji and his 1000 strong Maratha warriors. The dense forest cover provided perfect camouflage for the Marathas, who were equipped with arrows, boulders, and rifles.
As Kartalab's army descended the pass, the Marathas launched their attack by rolling boulders onto the unsuspecting Mughal soldiers. The Marathas, led by Shivaji Maharaj, mounted on his horse with a bow and spear, surrounded the Mughal army. The element of surprise, combined with the Marathas' familiarity with the terrain and their guerilla tactics, led to a swift and decisive victory. Within hours, the Mughal forces were overwhelmed, and Kartalab Khan had no choice but to surrender.
Aftermath and Significance
The victory at Umberkhind was not just a tactical win but a strategic triumph that further consolidated Shivaji Maharaj's position and strength. Kartalab Khan and his fellow commanders, including Rajput chieftains Chaturbuj Chauhan, Amarsingh Chandravat, and Mitrasen, surrendered, laying down their arms before Shivaji. The Marathas gained significant military supplies, gold, jewelry, and even saw some Mughal soldiers switch allegiance.
Netaji Palkar was appointed to oversee the Konkan region, ensuring its defense against further Mughal incursions. The victory demonstrated the effectiveness of Shivaji's intelligence network, strategic planning, and the resilience and bravery of the Maratha warriors. It highlighted Shivaji's ability to leverage his deep knowledge of the terrain and guerilla warfare tactics to outmaneuver and defeat a numerically superior enemy.
Commemoration and Legacy
The Battle of Umberkhind is commemorated every year on February 2 since 2001, celebrating one of the great victories in Shivaji Maharaj's illustrious military career. In 2007, Shiva Mitra, a Lonavala-based organization, erected a victory memorial to honor this historic event. The memorial, standing 12.5 meters high, features a statue of Shivaji Maharaj and an engraved history of the battle.
About Parth Upadhyaya
On 23rd May 2019, 5am, at the age of 24, I reached to the very top of Mount Everest fulfilling a 9 year long dream.
I started trekking since the age of 15 and since then I have completed over 800 treks across Sahyadri's and Himalayan mountain ranges. Moreover, I also work as a motivational speaker for various institutions.
For business enquiries: parthupadhyaya13@gmail.com
If you would like to know more about me and stay updated on my expeditions, check out my socials
Instagram:@iam.parth
iam.parth
Facebook: @Parth Upadhyaya
parthupadhyaya13/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Twitter: @ItsParthHi
ItsParthHi
Linkedin: @ Parth Upadhyaya
www.linkedin.com/in/parth-upadhyaya-b3648316b