The powada (Marathi: पोवाडा) is a genre of Marathi poetry that was during the late 17th century in India. Powada, which means ‘to glorify’, is a traditional Marathi ballad that traces its history to more than 750 years 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. Powadas were also used as a medium to create an awareness during Samyukta Maharashtra movement.