The village 'Umarath' in Maharashtra has historical importance. Narveer Tanaji Malusare memorial has made this place special today. When we mention the name of Tanaji Malusare, we remember the feat of Sinhagad along with the famous phrases like “Aadhi lagin kondhanyache mag raiba che”, “Gad ala pan Siha Gela”. Engraved in the hearts of the Marathi people due to his act of bravery at Sinhagad, this hero was with the Maharaja in many incidents since the establishment of Swarajya. Tanaji Malusare was among the select chieftains who blockaded Jawli during Afzal Khan's invasion. Subhedar Tanaji had routed Khan's army in Jawli forest. After Maharaja captured Sangameshwar in Konkan, Tanaji and Pilaji were kept there. While this Sangameshwar was staying, Suryarao Surve of Sringarpur made a surprise attack on the army and Pilaji Nilakantharao, who was exhausted by the attack, showed what valor is. ... Tanaji Malusare must have been included along with the Maharaja in Shivarai's attack on Shahistekhan at LalMahal. The bravery and sacrifices he made to bring Sinhagad to self-rule by putting aside his domestic duties have been immortalized in the history of Marathas. On the night of Magh Vadya Ashtami shaka 1591 i.e. 4th February 1670, Tanaji Malusare achieved heroism at Sinhagad. His statue is installed at Sinhagad and a beautiful memorial has been erected along with it. After his death, the valley through which his body was brought to Umrath village is now known as 'Madheghat'. According to Pen history researcher Mr. P.R. Date’s Tanaji Malusare biography and Shri. Shashikant Srikhande's book Gau Atam Aarti Part-4, Tanaji and Suryaji were the two sons of Kaloji Malusare of Godvali village near Pachagani in Javali taluka of Satara district. According to some historians, Kaloji was killed by Tanaji's uncle Bhorji, while others believe that Kaloji and Bhorji were killed by Adilshahi Subhedar. After his father's death, he came to Umrath village with his mother's at his uncle place (Mama) Kondhaji Ramji Shelar (Shelarmama). After that this village became his Karmabhumi and he took eternal rest in this village. Subhedar Tanaji Malusare was cremated at the place where he was cremated and his mausoleum was erected on it. There is another stone in this mausoleum which is believed to belong to Shelarmama. During the period of 1962-1967, when Mr Keshavrao Limaye was the president of the Colaba Zilla Parishad, he restored the mausoleum here. After the release of Ajay Devgan's film Tanaji in 2019, this mausoleum was restored for the second time. Our real tragedy is to turn attention to the monument after the ring of fame. Next to the mausoleum on the square foundation, there is an old temple of Jannimata Kumbhaljai Devi at some distance. A memorial to Subhedar Tanaji Malusare has been erected in the place of the ruined house of Subhedar Tanaji Malusare, some distance from the mausoleum in the village. This statue is regularly worshiped by the villagers. In the courtyard of the house near this monument, a small square carved tombstone can be seen, but even the villagers cannot tell who it belongs to. A Maratha sword and a belt can be seen with the shopkeeper in front of the monument. Although it is true that Tanaji means Sinhagad, we should not forget his monument at Umrath village. It is our duty to visit the memorials of these heroes who sacrificed their lives for Swarajya and keep the flame of their bravery burning. Poladpur-Kapdefata-Umarath road is available to reach this village in Poladpur taluka of Raigad district. The Mumbai-Poladpur distance is 185 km and the Poladpur-Mahabaleshwar route is 6 km ahead on Kade Phata. 10 km above this fork is Umrath village. There are 4 buses per day from Poladpur to Umrath.
© Suresh Nimbalkar