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  1. In 1659, the Sultan of Bijapur dispatched his most formidable general, Afzal Khan, to suppress Shivaji's rebellion. Khan was confident in his ability to capture the 'mountain rat' through either force or treachery. Shivaji, anticipating a double-cross at their arranged meeting at the base of PratapgRead more

    In 1659, the Sultan of Bijapur dispatched his most formidable general, Afzal Khan, to suppress Shivaji’s rebellion. Khan was confident in his ability to capture the ‘mountain rat’ through either force or treachery. Shivaji, anticipating a double-cross at their arranged meeting at the base of Pratapgad Fort, executed Khan using his Bagh Nakh (tiger claws). This decisive act eliminated the greatest threat to the nascent Maratha state, established Shivaji as a fearsome leader and led to the Marathas capturing significant Bijapur territory.

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  2. The Gwalior state was founded by Ranoji Scindia in 1726 during the reign of Peshwa Bajirao I. Ranoji served as one of Bajirao’s most capable military commanders. For his loyalty and military successes, he was granted territories in Malwa, where he established his administrative base at Ujjain, layinRead more

    The Gwalior state was founded by Ranoji Scindia in 1726 during the reign of Peshwa Bajirao I. Ranoji served as one of Bajirao’s most capable military commanders. For his loyalty and military successes, he was granted territories in Malwa, where he established his administrative base at Ujjain, laying the foundations of the Scindia dynasty. Although later rulers like Mahadji Scindia expanded and consolidated the state, the credit for founding the Gwalior kingdom goes entirely to Ranoji. His establishment of the Scindia rule transformed Gwalior into one of the most powerful Maratha princely states in northern India.

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  3. Kashiraj Pandit was the historian who witnessed the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Serving as an agent for Shuja-ud-Daulah, who was allied with the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali, Pandit was present on the battlefield. His Persian account, known as Ahwal-i Jang-i Bhau wa Ahmad Shah Durrani (AcRead more

    Kashiraj Pandit was the historian who witnessed the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Serving as an agent for Shuja-ud-Daulah, who was allied with the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali, Pandit was present on the battlefield. His Persian account, known as Ahwal-i Jang-i Bhau wa Ahmad Shah Durrani (Account of the War between Bhau and Ahmad Shah Durrani), is highly valued by historians for its detailed, eyewitness description of the military formations, the course of the battle and the devastating consequences for the Marathas.

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  4. Shivaji appeared at the Mughal court in Agra on the Emperor Aurangzeb's 50th birthday in May 1666 AD. He was persuaded to visit by Raja Jai Singh I following the Treaty of Purandar. At the court, Shivaji was insulted when he was placed among the Mansabdars of the third rank, leading to his furious pRead more

    Shivaji appeared at the Mughal court in Agra on the Emperor Aurangzeb’s 50th birthday in May 1666 AD. He was persuaded to visit by Raja Jai Singh I following the Treaty of Purandar. At the court, Shivaji was insulted when he was placed among the Mansabdars of the third rank, leading to his furious protest and subsequent confinement in the Jaipur Bhavan. His daring escape a few months later transformed the situation from political surrender into a psychological victory over the Emperor.

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  5. Shivaji was born in the hill fort of Shivneri near the town of Junnar in 1630 AD. This strategic fort, located within the Jagir controlled by his father Shahaji Bhonsle, provided the security necessary for his early life. The rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding Shivneri played a critical role inRead more

    Shivaji was born in the hill fort of Shivneri near the town of Junnar in 1630 AD. This strategic fort, located within the Jagir controlled by his father Shahaji Bhonsle, provided the security necessary for his early life. The rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding Shivneri played a critical role in shaping his military strategies and his deep connection to the Maratha homeland, establishing his lifelong preference for mountain strongholds over open cities.

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