Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was a skilled military leader who engaged in numerous battles to establish and expand his kingdom in the 17th century. One of the most famous battles associated with Shivaji Maharaj is the Battle of Pratapgad, which took place on November 10, 1659.
The Battle of Pratapgad was fought between the Maratha forces led by Shivaji Maharaj and the Adil Shahi forces led by Afzal Khan. Afzal Khan was an experienced and formidable general in the service of the Adil Shahi Sultanate. The two armies met near the fort of Pratapgad in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
During the initial phase of the battle, Shivaji and Afzal Khan met for a private negotiation. Afzal Khan, known for his treacherous nature, attempted to assassinate Shivaji during the meeting by embracing him with a concealed weapon. However, Shivaji had anticipated the betrayal and, in a daring move, countered the attack by killing Afzal Khan with the wagh nakh (tiger claws) concealed in his gauntlet.
Following the assassination of Afzal Khan, chaos ensued, and the Maratha forces launched a surprise attack on the disoriented Adil Shahi army. The Battle of Pratapgad resulted in a decisive victory for the Marathas, solidifying Shivaji's reputation as a brilliant military strategist.
This battle is just one example of Shivaji Maharaj's military prowess, and throughout his reign, he engaged in several other significant battles to establish and defend the Maratha Empire against various adversaries, including the Mughals, Adil Shahis, and others.
