Povadas are Marathi ballads that center around the life and accomplishments of Maharaja Chhatrapati Shivaji, the renowned ruler who laid the foundation for the Maratha kingdom in Maharashtra. These ballads have been sung for centuries as a tribute to Shivaji’s magnanimous personality, fearless attitude, and exemplary courage. Povadas often highlight Shivaji’s distinctive fighting styles, immense bravery, and admirable cleverness.
The majority of Povadas are composed and sung by Shahirs, who infuse these ballads with an interesting and heroic style. Povadas often showcase major historical events and convey them in an inspiring way, making for an enthralling listening experience. Many of them were written by the eyewitnesses who were actually present at the time of occurrence of the events. A famous ballad by Agnidas depicts the victory of Shivaji over Afzal Khan. This ballad is immensely popular among masses even today. Known by the name “Afzal Khanacha Vadh”, the ballad celebrates the murder of Afzal Khan by Shivaji Maharaj.
“Tanaji Malusare” which is written by Tulsidas gives an account of Tanaji’s capture over Sinhagad fort. This battle took place in 1670. Fought between the commander of Shivaji, Tanaji and fort keeper of Jai Singh, Udaybhan Rathod, this fierce battle was finally won by Marathas. Povadas are often sung to commemorate this glorious victory. As Tanaji lost his life during the battle, Shivaji Maharaj uttered one of the most famous lines of History: ” Gad Ala Pan Sinha Gela” which means that the fort is won at the cost of a lion-like warrior.
The battle of Pratapgad, a ferocious battle between Shivaji and Afzal Khan is well known. Afzal Khan who attacked Shivaji despite a peace agreement attacked him. Shivaji, in return attacked with a concealed wagh nakhi. The injurious Khan was later beheaded. Since then, ballads have been sung in the praise of Shivaji who became the symbol of courage and daunt for Marathas.