The Battle of Pratapgad took place on 10 November 1659, at Pratapgarh Fort in Satara. The battle was fought between the Maratha forces led by Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Bijapur troops under General Afzal Khan. The Marathas emerged victorious, marking their first significant military triumph against a major regional power. In the aftermath of this victory Shivaji captured 65 elephants, 4000 horses, 1200 camels and 10 Lakh rupees of cash and jewelry.[2][3]
In response to Shivaji's incursions and fort captures in the Konkan region, Ali Adilshah, ruler of the Adilshahi Sultanate, appointed Afzal Khan with 10,000 horsemen to confront him. The official history of Ali Adilshah's reign, the Tarikh-i Ali, suggests that Ali Adilshah ordered Afzal Khan to eliminate Shivaji, viewing him as a threat to Islam. Although some sources suggest that the intention was to capture Shivaji alive, the Tarikh-i Ali remains the most reliable account.[4][5] Despite initial reluctance from other generals, Afzal Khan volunteered for the mission, demonstrating his confidence in subduing Shivaji. The force dispatched under Afzal Khan's command numbered around 10,000 cavalry, as documented in the Tarikh-i Ali. Notable noblemen and soldiers, including Ambar Khan, Yaqut Khan, and Musa Khan, were assigned to serve under Afzal Khan's leadership. This appointment marked a significant escalation in the conflict between Shivaji and the Adilshahi Sultanate.[4][6][5]
Afzal Khan's Arrival at Wai
Afzal Khan of Bijapur
Afzal Khan departed from Bijapur around May 1659 on a campaign against Shivaji. While en route to Wai, conflicting accounts suggest that he desecrated the idol of Bhavani at Tuljapur and the idol of Vithoba at Pandharpur. These acts of vandalism aimed to humiliate Shivaji, as documented by various sources, including the Sabhasad Chronicle and the Shivakavya.[4][7][8][9]
Although the exact reasons for Afzal Khan's journey to Wai remain unclear, the Shivabharat suggests that it was prompted by Prataprao's betrayal of Shivaji's stronghold, Jawali, to the Adilshahi Sultanate. Afzal Khan viewed capturing Jawali as a strategic move to gain control over the Wai region, the Sahyadri mountains, and the coastal areas. Additionally, Afzal Khan's possession of the Wai Pargana since 1649 likely influenced his decision to use Wai as a base for his operations against Shivaji.Afzal Khan's arrival at Wai marked a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Shivaji and the Adilshahi Sultanate, leading to a pivotal confrontation between the two adversaries.[4][10][8][11]
Initial Actions
Upon Afzal Khan's departure for Wai, Ali Adilshah issued farmans (royal decrees) to the deshmukhs (local rulers) in the Maval region, instructing them to join Afzal Khan's campaign against Shivaji. These farmans aimed to gather support for Afzal Khan's mission to confront Shivaji's incursions in the region.[4][12][6]
One such farman issued to Kanhoji Jedhe, a deshmukh in the Maval region, emphasized the importance of obedience to Afzal Khan's authority and the eradication of Shivaji's forces. Failure to comply with Afzal Khan's orders would result in severe consequences, as stated in the farman.In response to receiving the farman, Kanhoji Jedhe, along with his sons, sought counsel from Shivaji at Rajgad. Despite the potential jeopardy to his watan (land and property), Kanhoji remained steadfast in his allegiance to Shivaji, renouncing his watan and pledging his loyalty to the Maratha leader.[4][13]
Meanwhile, Shivaji mobilized his forces, ordering his cavalry commander Netoji Palkar to lay waste to enemy territory while he himself led his infantry to Jawali. Shivaji's strategic maneuvers and alliances with local leaders demonstrated his readiness to confront the advancing Adilshahi forces.On July 12, 1659, Shivaji arrived in Jawali, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Shivaji and the Adilshahi Sultanate. These preliminary moves set the stage for a pivotal confrontation between Shivaji and Afzal Khan's forces at Wai.[4][14][6]
Incursions into Each Other's Territories
During the conflict between Afzal Khan and Shivaji, both sides engaged in incursions into each other's territories.According to the Tarikh-i Ali, Afzal Khan's forces swiftly entered Shivaji's territory under orders from Ali Adilshah. The account uses metaphorical language to describe the invasion, mentioning the thunderous sounds of drums and the dust kicked up by horses, but lacks detailed information.[4]The Shivabharat provides a clearer picture, stating that while Shivaji prepared to confront Afzal Khan at Jawali, Afzal Khan's commanders launched attacks into Shivaji's provinces. These assaults resulted in Yadav attacking Supe, Pandhare invading Shirwal, Kharade advancing into Saswad, Siddi Hilal targeting Pune, and Saif Khan penetrating Konkan, previously occupied by Shivaji's forces.[4]
Afzal Khan's forces, according to the Shivabharat, inflicted significant damage on Shivaji's territories, reducing them to a distressed state. This assertion aligns with a letter written by Afzal Khan to Terdal Pargana officials on September 7, 1659, confirming Shivaji's army's destructive actions in Adilshahi provinces.[4][6]
Negotiations (October 1659)
In October 1659, Afzal Khan dispatched his envoy Krishnarao to Pratapgad to meet with Shivaji. Shivaji received Krishnarao and provided him with robes of honor, indicating willingness to engage in negotiations. Shivaji proposed holding the meeting below the Pratapgad fort.Meanwhile, Afzal Khan also sent a letter to Shivaji, expressing displeasure over Shivaji's actions and demanding surrender of forts and territories.[4] Shivaji responded with a brief reply, acknowledging Afzal Khan's power and requesting a meeting in Jawali to discuss terms.The envoys exchanged messages, with Shivaji's envoy Pantaji Gopinath contributing significantly to persuading Afzal Khan to agree to the meeting in Jawali.[4][15][6]
Different interpretations of events emerged from sources partial to Afzal Khan and those favoring Shivaji. While some accounts suggest Shivaji sought pardon and invited Afzal Khan for a meeting, others imply Afzal Khan's invasion forced Shivaji to seek reconciliation.Afzal Khan, despite objections from his advisors, decided to proceed to Jawali for the meeting. He left behind part of his army and provisions at Wai and advanced towards Jawali.[4]
Upon learning of Afzal Khan's approach, Shivaji instructed his infantry commanders to conceal themselves near Afzal Khan's camp, prepared to engage if negotiations failed. Shivaji also ordered his commander Netoji Palkar not to initiate hostilities until the outcome of the meeting was clear.Netoji Palkar, returning from incursions into Adilshahi territory, received Shivaji's instructions to await further developments while remaining prepared for action.[4][6]
Ultimately, the stage was set for a crucial meeting between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, where the fate of their conflict would be decided through negotiations or confrontation.
Arrival of Afzal Khan at Jawali
Afzal Khan successfully navigated the challenging mountain slopes and reached Jawali with his army. Upon learning of Khan's proximity, Shivaji recognized the gravity of the situation, knowing Khan was now within reach.Both Shivaji and Afzal Khan sent envoys to inquire about each other's well-being, signaling a potential for negotiations. However, the true intentions of both leaders remained undisclosed.Shivaji cleverly invited traders accompanying Afzal Khan to the fort, ostensibly to purchase gifts for Khan and his entourage. Unbeknownst to the traders, Shivaji detained them on the mountain top, restricting their movement.[4]
The terms for the meeting between Shivaji and Afzal Khan were finalized through their envoys. It was agreed that Khan would proceed to the meeting place in a palanquin, accompanied by a few servants, while Shivaji would greet him armed, with both parties having armed guards at a distance.The stage was set for a crucial encounter between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, where their intentions and the fate of their conflict would be revealed.[4][6]
Shivaji had previously carefully guided his infantry and rangers, as we have seen before. The Jedhe Sequence records Shivaji's guidelines to the Bandal and Silimbkar contingents In a classified gathering that Shivaji held with his clergymen and Kanhoji Jedhe, it was concurred that the Muslim Afzal Khan is treacherous.[4] The Bandal Deshmukh with his power will be in Jawali and in the woods of Standard. In the event that the Khan ought to act deceptively during the gathering, the Bandal Deshmukh shouldn't let the Khan's military set up camp in Standard rise the mountain fort, and support me Shivaji with select men. On the off chance that, by the endowments of goddess Shri Amba, Afzal Khan is killed, the Bandals will assault and completely obliterate the foe armed force in Standard subsequent to getting a sign from the post. Haibatrao and Balaji Naik Silimbkar are situated in the Bochegholi pass with their soldiers. They won't allow the foe to rise the pass. In this manner it was settled and organized in the mystery meeting."[4][16][5]
It shows up from this concentrate that Shivaji had allocated the errand of controlling the course between the spot of meeting and Afzal Khan's camp at Standard to the Bandals and their contingent. They were likewise told to go after the foe camp at Standard once they got the set up signal. Moreover, the errand of guarding the Bochegholi pass was given to the Silimbkars. In any case, no dependable data is surviving to tell us exactly where the other deshmukhs and their contingents or the regulars of Shivaji's power were positioned. Subtleties given in later date sources are temperamental.[4]Shivaji and Afzal Khan met on 10th November 1659. It is notable that Shivaji killed Afzal Khan in course of this gathering. In any case, there is no arrangement in what different sources say about the event. What is sure, by the by, is that Shivaji killed Afzal Khan as he had recently settled.[4][6][5]
"Shivaji started getting ready for the gathering in the wake of discovering that Afzal Khan had begun towards the gathering place at the foot of the Pratapgad Post. He loved God Shiva in different ways as prompted by the clerics, offered contributions according to day to day daily schedule, had a light lunch, tasted unadulterated water every once in a while, quietly petitioned God for briefly to goddess Tulaja, dressed properly for the event and looked at the impression of his face in a mirror. He rose immediately, made respect to the minister and different Brahmins and got their approval. He saw the Sun and afterward offered a cow alongside her calf and a gold in charity to a righteous Brahmin. He furtively situated his courageous devotees, who were anxious to go with him, for the guard of the Pratapgad post. Then he left to get the Muslim Afzal Khan who had come there considering unfairness, as agreeably as someone invites his visitor. Shivaji had wore fantastic reinforcement under his robe. He was wearing a white turban with a mantle and a robe sprinkled with saffron. With a sword in one hand and a patta
—Shivabharat
in the other, he seemed to be Master Vishnu manifest who bears a sword in one hand and a mace in the other.
"Shivaji, pacing energetically, dropped the post by walking and Afzal saw him drawing closer. Shivaji, as well, traded a look at his enemy with a grin. "The Khan, covetous of dissipating any sensation of doubt to Shivaji, gave over his sword to an orderly standing close by and, faking benevolence, shared with him in a boisterous voice:[4]
Oh! You who profess to be energetic for war and act in a very unshakable way! You have stepped some unacceptable way and, in your vanity, display no regard for the Adilshah, the Qutbshah or the powerful Mughal Ruler. I have come to chasten you for your presumption. Surrender these mountain fortresses and your ravenousness, and give up to me. I will by and by direct you to Bijapur, make you bow before the triumphant expert, Ali Adil shah, make a plea to him for your benefit and have him present extraordinary abundance to you. Oh! Child of Shahji! Child! Free yourself of pride in your insight and let me clasp your hand with mine. Come, embrace me. '"Saying this, the Khan squeezed Shivaji's neck under his left arm and hit a blow with his knife in Shivaji's side.[4] The coordinated Shivaji worked himself liberated from the Khan's grip, parried the stroke of the knife and drove his own sword into the Khan's stomach. The Khan, staggered by the blow, attempted to hold his guts with his hands and shouted out that he had been killed. His worker unexpectedly surged at Shivaji with the Khan's sword ready for a stroke. The Khan had remembered this person for his company knowing great that Shivaji could never kill a Brahmin. Shivaji parried the stroke with his blade and, utilizing his patta, split the Khan's head into two....Thus on Thursday early afternoon, 10% November 1659, Shivaji slew the foe of the divine beings, Afzal Khan.[4][6]
According to the Shivabharat neither names Afzal Khan's Brahmin worker who, it, went after Shivaji, nor does it give any data about what befell the man a while later. In any case, it shows up from different sources that the Brahmin was Krishnaji Bhaskar. A few duplicates of the A. K.Chronicle say Krishnaji Bhaskar pointed a blow at Shivaji yet missed and, since Krishnaji was a Brahmin, Shivaji saved him, letting him go away. In any case, one variant of the narrative says that despite the fact that Krishnaji Bhaskar struck at him, Shivaji didn't kill him since he was a Brahmin; that he was killed by Jiva Mahala.!2®8 There is practically nothing to pick between the unwavering quality of these later date accounts. Killing a Brahmin was to be sure viewed as a wrongdoing in those times and Shivaji was no exemption for that conviction In any case, it is hard to surrender that Shivaji saved Krishnaji Bhaskar in the melee on the grounds that he was a Brahmin.[4] Maybe Krishnaji Bhaskar was not killed on account of Shivaji and a few creators, exploiting the reality most likely trying to add to their hero's fame, recorded that Shivaji didn't raise his sword against Krishnaji Bhaskar in light of the fact that he was a Brahmin. Just a single duplicate of the A.K Narrative expresses that Krishnaji Bhaskar got away alive from the fracas. Considering this and from the quietness kept up with by the Shivabharat about Krishnaji Bhaskar's destiny, apparently he was killed. Understanding that Afzal Khan had been chopped down, his ten protectors - Abdul Sayyid, Bada Sayyid, Afzal Khan's nephew Rahim Khan, Pahlawan Khan, four other Muslims,and Pilaji and Shankaraji Mohite charged towards Shivaji to kill him. Shivaji protected himself with his blade and patta. In a matter of moments by any stretch of the imagination, Shivaji's ten protectors — Sambhaji Kawji, Kataji Ingale, Kondaji Kank, Yesaji Kank, Krishnaji Gayakwad, Suryaji Kakade, Jiva Mahala, Visaji Murumbak, Sambhaji Karwar, and Siddi Ibrahim likewise hurried forward. Jiva Mahala cut down Bada Sayyid before he could strike at Shivaji. The others immediately killed the rest of the Khan's gatekeepers Sabhasad writes The Shivaji himself killed in single battle the Khan who was essentially a genuine Duryodhan; as much in strength of body as in evil of heart. Bhima killed him independent.[4] Comparatively did the Raja. Shivaji was Bhima himself. It was he who killed Afzal. This deed was not that of a person. A manifestation he definitely was, thus without a doubt might he at some point play out this deed. Achievement was accomplished."[4]
The Raja Shivaji himself killed in single battle the Khan who was essentially a genuine Duryodhan; as much in strength of body as in evil of heart. Bhima killed him independent. Comparatively did the Raja. Shivaji Raja was Bhima himself. It was he who killed Afzal. This deed was not that of a person. A manifestation he definitely was, thus without a doubt might he at some point play out this deed. Achievement was accomplished."
—Sabhasad
Shivaji was a manifestation of God, similar to Rama who independently killed Ravana.
—Adnyandas
Shivaji, intending to capture as much of the Adilshahi province as possible, reached Wai with a large force without any loss of time
Battle of Jawali (10th November 1659)
Following the demise of Afzal Khan, a signal was sounded by the Marathas from the Pratapgad Fort on November 10, 1659. In response to this signal, Brahmin commander Narayan led a force of 5,000 foot soldiers, accompanied by Kamloji Salunkhe, Yesaji Kank, Tanaji Malusare, Kondaji Wadkhale, and Ramaji Pangere, each commanding a thousand foot soldiers. This united Maratha force swiftly encircled the Adilshahi army, launching a fierce and relentless attack.[4][6][5]
The sudden onslaught of the Marathas instilled panic among the Adilshahi soldiers, who found themselves without leadership and began to flee. In an attempt to rally his troops, Musa Khan Pathan, along with Adilshahi officers Hasan Khan, Yaqut Khan, and Ankush Khan, mounted a counterattack. However, Shivaji's infantry proved formidable and successfully repelled their efforts.[4]
The rugged terrain of the mountainous region proved advantageous for infantry but posed challenges for cavalry, resulting in the defeat of the Muslim forces.
—Shivabharat (23:29)
The mountainous terrain favored the Maratha infantry, rendering the cavalry of the Adilshahi army ineffective. As a result, Musa Khan Pathan, Hasan Khan, Yaqut Khan, and Fazil Khan, Afzal Khan's elder son, managed to escape with their lives and sought refuge in Wai, guided by Chandrarao's kinsman Prataprao through the forest. Unfortunately, casualties were not avoided entirely, as Mambaji Bhosale, Shahji's cousin, lost his life in the battle.[4]The Marathas emerged victorious, capturing notable figures such as Ranadaula Khan, Ambar Khan, Rajaji Ghatge, and Afzal Khan's younger sons, while many other noblemen were taken as prisoners. Although Netoji Palkar had been ordered by Shivaji to attack Afzal Khan's base at Wai on the same day as the encounter, he arrived too late to intercept the fleeing adversaries. Despite his efforts to pursue them, Netoji was unable to apprehend Musa Khan, Fazil Khan, and their companions, who had already fled the scene.[4][6][5]
Exploitation of Victory (November 1659 - March 1660)
After the successful elimination of Afzal Khan, Shivaji swiftly dispatched Netoji Palkar from Wai and followed suit shortly thereafter. His troops laid siege to the ChandanVandan forts, although the outcome of this siege remains unclear. However, the demoralized Naikji Pandhare, Naikji Kharate, and Kalyanji Yadav, who had been ousted from Pune province by Shivaji's forces, sought refuge with the Marathas and joined their ranks.[4]
Expanding his dominion, Shivaji's troops collected tribute from various areas up to Kolhapur, consolidating Maratha control over these regions. Subsequently, Shivaji initiated a sudden siege of the Panhala Fort, enduring heavy cannon fire and boulder assaults from the enemy. Despite fierce resistance, the Marathas managed to scale the fort and capture it on November 28, 1659.[4] Shivaji personally inspected the fort on December 2, 1659. Around the same period, before February 15, 1660, the Marathas also seized the Khelna Vishalgad fort.Meanwhile, Muse Khan and other Adilshahi nobles sought refuge in Bijapur. Anticipating Shivaji's movements, the Adilshah dispatched Rustum-i Zaman with a force against him. However, Shivaji intercepted this force near Kolhapur on December 28, 1659, routing Rustum-i Zaman's army in a decisive battle. The spoils included 12 elephants and 2,000 horses, indicating the significant strength of both armies.[4][16][6]
Following this victory, Shivaji sent Netoji to raid deep into Adilshahi territory while he personally oversaw the defenses of Panhala. Netoji's cavalry conducted plundering raids as far as Dharwad and Gadag to the south, and Tikota to the east, near Bijapur.Simultaneously, Maratha troops were dispatched to the Konkan region, meeting little resistance as they advanced southwards. By January 12, 1660, a detachment of Maratha troops reached Rajapur, followed by the capture of Kharepatan on January 15 and the small fort at Kudal around February 15.[4][6]
Related Research Articles
Shivaji I was an Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan. Shivaji carved out his own independent kingdom from the declining Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire. In 1674, he was formally crowned the Chhatrapati of his realm at Raigad Fort.
Baji Prabhu Deshpande was a general of the Maratha Army. He is known for his role in the Battle of Pavan Khind at Ghod Khind, where he sacrificed his life defending Shivaji from incoming Adil Shahi forces of Siddi Johar. He also was a landlord or Vatandar in the Maval region.
Miraj is a city that is part of the Sangli-Miraj-Kumand metropolitan region in Sangli district, Maharashtra. Founded in the early 10th century, Miraj was an important jagir of the Bijapur Sultanate.
Netoji Palkar (1620–1681), also known as Netaji Palkar, served as a prominent Maratha general and held the esteemed position of the 3rd Senapati of the Maratha Army under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the visionary founder of the Maratha empire.
Shahaji Bhosale was a 17th century Indian military leader who served the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the Bijapur Sultanate, and the Mughal Empire at various points in his career. As a member of the Bhonsle dynasty, Shahaji inherited the Pune and Supe jagirs (fiefs) from his father Maloji, who previously served the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. During the Mughal invasion of the Deccan, Shahaji joined the Mughal forces and served under Emperor Shah Jahan for a short period. After being deprived of his jagirs, he defected to the Bijapur Sultanate in 1632 and regained control over Pune and Supe. In 1638, he received the jagir of Bangalore after Bijapur's invasion of Kempe Gowda III's territories. Afterwards, he became the chief general of Bijapur and oversaw its expansion.
Kanhoji Naik-Jedhe Deshmukh was a 17th-century Marathi Sardar , and a trusted aide of Shahaji, and of Shahaji's son Shivaji, who founded the Maratha Empire in 1646. Kanhoji owned the entire 'Rohid Khora', which includes the forts of Raireshwar and Rohideshwar, in present-day Bhor taluka, near Pune. The administration was controlled from his native place Kaari. Kanhoji was of the same age of Shahaji. His eldest son Baji 'Sarjerao' Jedhe was two months older than Chhatrapati Shivaji. Shahaji sent Kanhoji along with the young Shivaji to Pune. Because of his high personal standing among the Jamindars, he helped Shivaji in organising most of them under his banner.
Moropant Trimbak Pingale (1620–1683), was the first peshwa of the Maratha Empire, serving on Shivaji Maharaj's Ashta Pradhan.
Afzal Khan was a general who served the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur Sultanate in India. He played an important role in the southern expansion of the Bijapur Sultanate by subjugating the Nayaka chiefs who had taken control of the former Vijayanagara territory.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of Maratha empire in western India in 1664, was well known for his forts. Many, like Panhala Fort and Rajgad, existed before him but others, like Sindhudurg and Pratapgad, were built by him from scratch. Also, the fort of Raigad was built as the place of throne, i.e., the capital, of Maratha Empire by Hirojee Indulkar on the orders of the Chhatrapati. This is the place where Shivaji was crowned and today also his Samadhi (shrine) stands in front of the Jagadishwar temple. These forts were central to his empire and their remains are among the foremost sources of information about his rule. The French missionary Father Fryer witnessed the fortifications of Gingee, Madras, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after its conquest, and appreciated his technical know-how and knowledge.
Dadoji Kondadeo was an administrator of the Pune jagir and the nearby Kondana fort. He was appointed by Shahaji, a noble and general of the Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur.
Rangnath Narayan Orpe, historically mentioned as ‘Rango Narayan’, was a warrior and administrative officer on Fort Vishalgad, under the regime of Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire and his son Sambhaji in the 17th century India. He is mainly known for defeating the Bijapur army in the battle of Vishalgad in July, 1660.
Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande was a general who served Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Jedhe Shakawali or Jedhe Chronology is a bare record of events with dates covering the period from 1618 to 1697 kept by the Jedhe Deshmukhs of village Kari located near Bhor in Pune district. It is known to be the valuable source for the political history of the formative period of Maratha Empire. The document was first edited by B.G. Tilak and published by Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, Pune, in 1916.
Jedhe Karina or Jedhe Statement is a record of family events of Jedhe Deshmukh of village Kari located near Bhor in modern Pune district. It covers a period of about 65 years starting from 1626 and ending to 1689. While main objective of the Karina is to state how the family of Jedhes went on prospering day by day, it also throws light on the formative period of Maratha Empire.
Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire in the Indian subcontinent. This article describes Shivaji's life from his birth until the age of 19 years (1630–1649).
Pawankhind ; is a 2022 Indian Marathi-language historical action drama film directed by Digpal Lanjekar and produced under the banner of Almonds Creations in association with AA Films. The film based on the life of Maratha warrior, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, stars Chinmay Mandlekar, Mrinal Kulkarni, Ajay Purkar, Sameer Dharmadhikari, along with Ankit Mohan, Prajakta Mali and Kshitee Jog in supporting roles.
Shivaji's Campaign of Jawali was a military engagement fought between the forces of the Maratha Empire, led by Shivaji and the Bijapur Sultanate, under the command of Chandra Rao More, in the year 1656.This battle took place near the town of Jawali, located in present-day Maharashtra, India.
The Siege of Panhala was led by Siddi Jauhar on behalf of the Bijapur Sultanate, dispatched by Ali Adil Shah II to reclaim the Panhala Fort, was a momentous undertaking. Shivaji had seized Panhala on 28 November 1659, just 18 days after the death of Afzal Khan at Pratapgad. Despite the efforts of two of Bijapur Sultanate’s prominent commanders, Afzal Khan and Rustam Zaman, who had both failed in their attempts to capture Shivaji, victory eluded them. With Bijapur running short of options and facing the expanding influence of Shivaji, the responsibility of bringing this campaign to a conclusion fell on Siddi Jauhar. By taking on this pivotal role, Siddi Jauhar finally earned favor at the Bijapur court, leading to the restoration of the Kurnool district to him, and Shivaji had to surrender the Panhala fort.
The Shivaji's invasions of Janjira were a series of military campaigns launched by the first Maratha ruler, Shivaji, against the Abyssinian rulers of the sea fortress of Janjira named Siddis between 1661 and 1676. The Marathas attacked the Janjira fort annually, and during the final siege of 1676, the Maratha Peshwa Moropant faced a counterattack by the Siddis, forcing the Marathas to retreat with heavy casualties.
When Adil Shah of Bijapur died (1672) Shivaji sent Annaji Datto along with Kandoji in a fresh assualt against Sikandar Adil Shah and Regent Khawas Khan. They advance at Panhala mounted the wall at night time killing the commander and securing the fortress.
↑ Roy, Kaushik (2012). Hinduism and the Ethics of Warfare in South Asia: From Antiquity to the Present. Cambridge University Press. p.202. ISBN978-1-139-57684-0.
↑ Roy, Kaushik (2012). Hinduism and the Ethics of Warfare in South Asia: From Antiquity to the Present. Cambridge University Press. p.202. ISBN978-1-139-57684-0.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
Maratha Empire 
