Shivaji and Afzal Khan

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of Maratha Empire. Afzal Khan was the first rate commander and general of Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur.

The Bijapur government had suffered a considerable loss of territory and forts at the hands of Shivaji. The Bijapur government Afzal Khan to put down Shivaji.

Afzal Khan reached Pandharpur and thereafter proceeded to Wai and realised a fine of two lakhs of rupees from Balaji Nayak Nimbalkar for having sided with Shivaji. With the help of the Mores of Javali, who were Shivaji’s enemies, Afzal Khan resolved to penetrate into the Maval country and attack Shivaji in Poona. But as Shivaji had taken his stand in the jungle district of Javali.

Afzal Khan therefore proceeded to Pratapgarh and encamped there. He sent Krishnaji Bhaskar to Shivaji to request him to come and see AfzalKhan promising to get Shivaji confirmed in the possession of Konkan and the forts which he then held.

Shivaji accepted his proposal of an interview on the condition that the latter gave him a solemn assurance of safety. Afzal Khan gave the assurance demanded. It was decided that the interview should take place at the village of Par which lay one mile south of Pratapgarh. Afzal Khan moved to Par where on an eminence below the fort a pavilion was set up for the proposed meeting.

There occurred a fight between Afzal Khan and Shivaji. Afzal Khan was killed by Shivaji. The incident occurred on 2nd November, 1659. There is  controversy as to who gave the first blow has been still not clear.

The Bijapuri army was leaderless and was badly defeated by the Marathas. Shivaji obtained possession of an immense booty consisting of artillery, ammunition, treasure, elephants, horses and camels. The booty included ten lakhs of rupees in cash and jewels.

The Adilshahi dynasty got weakened after the death of Afzal Khan. Later on, Bijapur was seized by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.