Wagh nakh
Also called: Tiger claws · Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 3 "The Marathas"
Meaning
Wagh nakh means "tiger's claw" in Marathi. It is a small weapon with sharp, curved claws, worn on the hand and easy to hide. It is famous because Shivaji used it to kill the Bijapur general Afzal Khan. The story shows the cunning and surprise of Maratha warfare.
Example
In 1659 Afzal Khan met Shivaji one-on-one at the foot of Pratapgad fort. Shivaji killed him with a wagh nakh. Marathas hidden in the forest then routed Afzal Khan's army with guerrilla attacks.
Don't confuse with
- Shaista Khan episode: That was a night raid on a Mughal noble's camp, in which the noble lost his fingers. It was not the wagh nakh killing of Afzal Khan.
Related concepts
- Battle of Pratapgad
- Guerrilla warfare
- Shaista Khan
- Sack of Surat
- Treaty of Purandar
- Escape from Agra