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mortal wound on a triumphant Udai Singh. He fell dead. Tanaji, too collapsed and died.

All was quiet when Suryaji entered the fort. He rushed around, looking for Tanaji. He
found him lying in a pool of blood. He knelt to feel his pulse.

He looked aghast at his dead friend. His grief soon turned into anger.

‘We must complete your task’, he muttered, drawing his sword.

The Marathas, infuriated by Tanaji’s death, fell on their foes like tigers. Udai Singh’s

death had taken the fight out of the Mughals. After a brief struggle, the Marathas won the
battle. Kondana Fort was once again in their hands. Suryaji returned to Raigarh Fort to
inform Shivaji of their victory. He was anxiously waiting for them.

‘Raje, the fort is taken,’ said Suryaji.
triumphant: victorious
‘Good. But where is Tanaji?’ collapsed: having fallen down
aghast: filled with horror or shock
Suryaji hung his head and remained silent. infuriated: became angry
memorial: a statue or structure established
‘Speak, Suryaji!’ cried Shivaji shaking him by his to remind people of a person or event
shoulders. ‘What has happened to him?’

‘He is dead!’ Suryaji said in a broken voice. Shivaji’s face went pale as he mumbled, ‘The

fort is won, but my lion is gone.’ He turned and walked to the window.

He stood there looking out. A memorial to Tanaji stands on the spot where he fell. It is
called Sinha Garh .
9
—Tara Tiwari

Time to answer
A. Choose the correct option.

1. Why did Shivaji call Tanaji his Sinha?

because Tanaji was his companion in arms

because Tanaji was his childhood friend

because Tanaji had planned and fought many battles by his side

because Tanaji was brave and daring

2. What were Tanaji and his wife doing when Suryaji came?

They were inspecting the sari.

They were putting ornaments in the jewel case for the bride.

9 the Lion’s Fort

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