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.

    See less
    • 40
  2. Following the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji visited the Mughal court and was confined by Emperor Aurangzeb in the Jaipur Bhavan in Agra in 1666 AD. Feeling dishonoured, Shivaji determined to escape. He famously feigned illness and escaped by concealing himself and his son, Sambhaji, in large baskets sRead more

    Following the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji visited the Mughal court and was confined by Emperor Aurangzeb in the Jaipur Bhavan in Agra in 1666 AD. Feeling dishonoured, Shivaji determined to escape. He famously feigned illness and escaped by concealing himself and his son, Sambhaji, in large baskets supposedly containing sweetmeats intended for distribution to priests. This spectacular and legendary escape further cemented his reputation as a formidable and resourceful leader.

    See less
    • 39
  3. 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.

    See less
    • 148
  4. 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.

    See less
    • 22
  5. 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.

    See less
    • 134