Powada, which means ‘to glorify’, is a traditional Marathi ballad that traces its history to more than 750 years[1] Powadas often glorified and celebrated deeds of popular folk figures and leaders such as Chhatrapati Shivaji and Tanaji Malusare, and were also written to raise awareness on social issues such as female foeticide, dowry and corruption.
It is popular in Kumaun and Garhwal regions of the state and is sung, performed, or narrated on various occasions.
[1] During the Maratha Confederacy rule, several celebrated Shahir poet-singers, which include Ram Joshi (1762–1812), Anant Phandi (1744–1819), Honaji Bala (1754–1844) and Prabhakar (1769–1843) also composed powadas.
Shahir Bashir Momin Kavathekar is known for his popular Powada's that celebrate heroics of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Prataprao Gujar as well those celebrating the accomplishments of leaders in the Indian independence movement like Azad Hind Sena's Subhash Chandra Bose, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, trailblazers in education/ social movements like Karmveer Dr. Bhaurao Patil.
Out of these, ten powadas were translated into English verse by H. A. Acworth and published as Ballads of the Marathas in 1894.