In incredibly short time the news of Shivaji’s escape spread all over Deccan and celebrations started off. The king of Deccan had limited reign of Pune, Supe and Chakan. For the next three years, Shivaji lied low. It was not until 1670 that he felt himself ready to take to field again. First thing on the priority was to recapture the hill-forts and of these, Sinhagad was the most important to established command over entire Pune district.

The fort was very well guarded. The single gate, studded with huge spikes and protected by flanking towers of great strength, was to be approached by a narrow passage. The undertaking was entrusted to Tanaji Malusare. Tanaji along with his brother Suryaji took 1,000 men for the mission. It was a clear moonless night, cold and still. The garrison consisted 1,000 Muslims under a Rajput, Udai Bhanu, an officer well-known for his daring and physical strength all over Deccan. Marathas started moving towards the fort. A Mavli climbed stealthily up and let down rope ladders. Tanaji and 300 of their men climbed up. But suddenly they were noticed and attacked. The men out of fear started retreating. Suryaji at that time grasped the state of affairs. “Cowards !” he cried, “Will you see your father’s body into a dung-pit by the scavengers ? The ropes are down and there is no retreat.” The required reinforcement came with the words and firing started. When the bleak winter dawn appeared over the Sahyadris both the leaders were dead. The fort was taken over, but with the heavy price. Shivaji was deeply grieved on receiving the news, “I have won the fort but lost my Lion !”