Chapter 02

Conflict with Bijapur Sultanate

  1. Torna and Rajgad forts, the first conquests of Shivaji

    1647 – 1656

    Early Conquests & Javali

    In 1647, a 16-year-old Shivaji captured the Torna Fort and used the treasure to build Rajgad. He later seized the strategic Javali valley in 1656 from Chandrarao More, extending his influence into southwest Maharashtra.

  2. The duel between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan at Pratapgad

    10 November 1659

    The Duel at Pratapgad

    Bijapur sent the veteran general Afzal Khan to arrest Shivaji. Meeting at the foothills of Pratapgad, Khan attempted a betrayal, but Shivaji, wearing hidden armor and wielding a 'bagh nakh' (tiger claw), struck him down. The ensuing battle was a decisive victory for the Marathas.

  3. Pavan Khind, the sacred pass defended by Baji Prabhu Deshpande

    July – September 1660

    Siege of Panhala & Pavan Khind

    Besieged at Panhala fort by Siddi Jauhar, Shivaji executed a daring night escape. His commander, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, along with 300 soldiers, fought to the death at Ghod Khind to hold back the enemy. The pass was renamed 'Paavan Khind' (Sacred Pass) in their honor.