Shaista Khan
Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 3 "The Marathas"
Meaning
Shaista Khan was a powerful Mughal noble, the governor of the Deccan, and Aurangzeb's uncle. He invaded Shivaji's lands and stayed for about three years, with his camp at Pune. The way Shivaji drove him out is one of the most daring events of Maratha history. The NCERT chapter compares it to a modern surgical strike, meaning a quick, targeted attack.
Example
In 1663, Shivaji entered Shaista Khan's camp at night with only a few soldiers. Khan lost his fingers in the attack, escaped, and left Maharashtra. Shivaji then raided the Mughal port of Surat.
Don't confuse with
- Afzal Khan: Afzal Khan was a Bijapur general, killed by Shivaji at Pratapgad in 1659. Shaista Khan was a Mughal noble who survived the raid but lost his fingers.