Powade were Marathi ballads that narrated inspirational events from the golden Maratha period. They were amazingly created by proficient individuals who remained witness to various episodes or incidents of those times.
It was in the 17th century that this genre of Marathi poetry became immensely popular and loved by all and sundry. Powada soon became a profession, and all professional Powada composers cum singers, who were known as ‘Shahirs’, then formed a distinct community or caste known as the ‘Gondhalis.’
The first and the most remarkable Powada that gained extreme popularity, was “Afzal Khanacha Vadh,” or “The Killing of Afzal Khan.” The ballad was recorded by ‘Agnida’s in the year 1659 and remained popular for many years since then. As evident from the name, this poetry described Shri. Chatrapati Shivaji’s heroic encounter and win over Afzal Khan.
The next in line is “Tannaji Malusare.” It was recorded by ‘Tulsidas’ and sings another valiant achievement of Tannaji when he skillfully captured the Sinhagad Fort. Yamaji Bhaskar was another eminent Shahir who composed the “Baji Pasalkar;” almost during the same time when Tulsidas came up with his “Tannaji Malusare.”
Thousands of Powade were composed and celebrated during the Peshwa Rule. Few eminent Shahirs of those times are; Ram Joshi, Prabhakar, Anant Phandi, Honaji Bala and many more.
‘Itihas Prasiddha Purushanche Va Striyanche Powade’ published in 1891 by Harry Arbuthnoth Acworth and S.T Shalligram, is a collection of 60 Powadas. Ten Powadas were translated into English Language in the year 1894, and were published as Ballads of Marathas.
Below is a collection of Powade sung by all eminent Shahirs like Babasaheb Deshmukh, Babasaheb Purandare, Shahir Sable, Pirajirao Sarnaik, Vishnu Bala Patil and many more, If you are also looking for a collection of old Powade, you can free download Shivaji Maharaj Powada of your choice from here. Here we have included Rajyabhishek, Swarajyachi Shapth, Tornagad, Shahistekhan, Gad Aala Pan Shinha Gela by Shahir Babasaheb Deshmukh and few creations by Shahir Vishnu Bala Patil. Enjoy!!
Jai Bhavani!! Jai Shivaji!!
