Shivaji's Campaign of Javali

Shivaji's Campaign of Jawali was a military engagement fought between the Maratha rebels, 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.

Background
During the seventeenth century, Shivaji emerged as a warrior and leader, establishing the Maratha Kingdom in the region. The Bijapur Sultanate, one of the dominant powers in the Deccan, sought to curb Shivaji's growing influence and expansionist ambitions. In pursuit of this goal, Chandra Rao More, a general of Bijapur, was tasked with confronting Shivaji's forces.

Jawali Campaign
The exact details of the battle are somewhat obscured by historical accounts, but it is believed to have been a strategically important engagement in Shivaji's early military campaigns. The battle was likely characterized by skirmishes, cavalry charges, and infantry maneuvers typical of warfare during that period. The Battle of Jawali resulted in a decisive victory for Shivaji and his forces. The defeat of Chandra Rao More's army significantly weakened the Bijapur Sultanate's hold on the region and enhanced Shivaji's reputation as a military leader. This victory contributed to the expansion of the Maratha Kingdom and further solidified Shivaji's position as a player in the Deccan.

""Then the Jawali campaign was undertaken. Kanhoji Naik and all other Deshmukh were summoned with their respective forces. The Jedhes had already chased away the Mores inhabiting Jambhli. Hanmantrao More was in Jor. Shivaji sent Raghunath Ballal Sabnis with a cavalry force from Pune against him. He [Raghunath Ballal] killed Hanmantrao and captured Jor. Jawali, however, still remained [to be taken].""

- Jedhe Chronicle

Aftermath
According to the Jedhe Chronology Chandrarao capitulated to Javali in the month of Vaishakha of Shaka 1578 [between 15 April and 14 May 1656]. Shivaji incarcerated Chandrarao and his sons, Krishnaji and Baji. Though Chandrarao endeavoured to break free from prison, Shivaji had him and his son Krishnaji executed but Baji managed to escape. Shivaji captured Raigarh, Supa, Rohida, Tikona, Lohgarh, Rajmachi, and more.

Shivaji raised up a fort in Jawali which he named Pratapgad. Ganoji Govind was made commander of the Pratapgad fort. The capture of Jawali opened doors for Shivaji’s entry into the Konkan, the coastal regions of the Maratha country. Later Shivaji came into armed conflict with the Siddis of Danda Rajpuri.

Legacy
Battle of Jawali is remembered as a crucial moment in the history of the Maratha Kingdom, showcasing Shivaji's military prowess and strategic acumen. The outcome of this battle played an important role in shaping the political landscape of the Deccan region during the seventeenth century.