Battle of Pratapgarh

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 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.

Appointment of Afzal Khan against Shivaji
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. 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.

Afzal Khan's Arrival at Wai
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Killing of Afzal Khan (10th November 1659)
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. 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."

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. 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. in the other, he seemed to be Master Vishnu manifest who bears a sword in one hand and a mace in the other.

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. 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. 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." 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.

The sudden onslaught by 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. "The rugged terrain of the mountainous region proved advantageous for infantry but posed challenges for cavalry, resulting in the defeat of the Muslim forces."

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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.