Mavala soldiers’ tombs found in villages around Sinhagad fort

City-based group has collated the data and sent it to archaeology dept to reinforce preservation bid

Sinhagad fort resonates with history — every structure telling a story a bygone era and its valour. A recent discovery of three tombs (samadhis) of Mavala soldiers in the vicinity has added to the reams of chronicles. These crypts were unearthed by members of Mavala Jawan Sanghatana, which had earlier discovered the original tomb of Tanaji Malusare on Sinhagad Fort in February.

Now the group has demanded state archaeology department’s attention to conduct more research on the tombs and have also enforced a conservation bid, stating they are an integral part of the history. At present, the tombs are in a desolate condition and several of these are being worshipped as a local deity. However, their descriptions in the historical texts say otherwise. These texts were referred by the group to establish the original status of these structures.


One of the tombs is located in Khanapur village at the foothill of Sahyadri. Another is at Ghera Sinhagad area situated west of Sinhagad Fort. The other one is located in Thopatewadi village.

The shape of these crypts varies depending on the position of the soldier in the army. One has the shape of Shivling, while others are made like a Veergal (a vertical tomb), according to Dattaji Nalawade, the founder of Mavala Jawan Sanghatana.

“Most of the tombs are located in mountain villages. They were built at the place where the solider was martyred or inside his native village. Around 50 members of the groups are trying to locate such tombs in various remote villages. The soldiers are our unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives for Swarajya,” he added.

The present data have been collated and sent to the department of archaeology in a preservation bid. Several tombs are etched with manuscripts that need experts’ attention. Thus, the group feels the preliminary protection — fencing and signboards — need to be installed.

Nalawade said, “In many cases, the tombs were by Chhatrapati Shivaji himself to honour the soldier’s sacrifices. And, there are several other tombs that were built 50 years later by Chhatrapati Shahu, Shivaji’s grandson, after his rescue from Aurangzeb’s clutches.”

While the state archaeology department has appreciated the findings, it is of the opinion that locals must strive to protect them. An officer, on the condition of anonymity, said, “Because of no knowledge of the existence of these tombs, many are getting destroyed. The department has its own limitation. The locals must raise their hands to protect such monuments. Our experts will help in tracing the historical and heritage aspects. Soon, our team will visit these villages to know more about the tombs.”