Battle of Pratapgad
Pratapgad Fort, Satara district, Maharashtra, India
What happened
The Maratha leader Shivaji fought an army of the Bijapur Sultanate led by the general Afzal Khan. The Bijapur Sultanate sent a large army under Afzal Khan to defeat the young Maratha leader Shivaji. The two men met for talks below the hill fort of Pratapgad, and the meeting turned violent; Afzal Khan fell. At a signal from the fort, hidden Maratha troops attacked the Bijapur army in the steep forests, and it was defeated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the Marathas' first major victory over a large regional power. It helped Shivaji expand his territory.
What came next
Shivaji went on to capture more forts, including Panhala. He had Afzal Khan buried according to Islamic custom near Pratapgad.
Did you know?
A large bronze statue of Shivaji on horseback now stands in the upper part of Pratapgad Fort.
Timeline
- 10 November 1659Shivaji defeats Afzal Khan's army.
- After 1659Shivaji captures Panhala and other forts.
- TodayA bronze statue of Shivaji stands in the upper fort.