Bhavashankari

[3] Her father, a military commander of Bhurishrestha, ensured she received rigorous training in swordsmanship, archery, and horse riding.

The period following her husband’s demise was turbulent, as Bhurishrestha faced threats from both internal conspiracies and external invasions, particularly from the Pathan warlords and Afghan chieftains who sought to dominate Bengal.

One of Bhavashankari’s greatest achievements was her successful resistance against the resurgence of the Pathan forces in Bengal, led by the Lohani Sultans and their allies.

Her most notable military engagement was the Battle of Bashuri, where she defeated the Pathan invaders attempting to seize control of Bhurishrestha.

She employed guerrilla warfare tactics, fortified key regions, and effectively utilized war elephants, cavalry, and archers in battle.

Her life has been immortalized in folklore, regional literature, and recently in cinema, bringing renewed attention to her extraordinary story.