Battle of Pratapgad
Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 3 "The Marathas"
Meaning
The Battle of Pratapgad was fought in 1659 near Pratapgad fort in the thick forests of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Here Shivaji defeated Afzal Khan, a general of the Bijapur (Adil Shahi) sultanate. It is a classic case of Maratha guerrilla warfare: small, fast groups using surprise and knowledge of the land to beat a bigger army. The win made Shivaji famous.
Example
Shivaji drew Afzal Khan to a one-on-one meeting at the foot of Pratapgad. He killed him with a wagh nakh, a small claw-shaped weapon. Maratha troops hiding in the forest then attacked and routed Afzal Khan's army.
Don't confuse with
- Treaty of Purandar: This was signed at Purandar fort near Pune after Shivaji lost to the Mughal general Jai Singh. Pratapgad was a victory over Bijapur.
- Night raid on Shaista Khan: That was an attack on a Mughal noble's camp. Pratapgad was a fight against a Bijapur general.