Afzal Khan was a military commander who had been sent to punish Shivaji. He belonged toa)Malwab)Bengalc)Bijapurd)AhmadnagarCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

(Correct Answer:-C)

Afzal Khan was a medieval Indian commander who served the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, and fought against Shivaji. He was killed at a meeting with Shivaji and his army was defeated in the Battle of Pratapgad 1656.

Answer

Afzal Khan was the most powerful General or Sardar in the court of the Bijapur Sultanate who fought against Shivaji. In 1659, he led an army of about 10,000 elite troops and pursued Shivaji persistently. He was killed at a meeting with Shivaji by Shivaji's lieutenant Sambhaji Kavji.

Answer

Afzal Khan belonged to Bijapur

Introduction:
Afzal Khan was a military commander who played a significant role in the history of India during the 17th century. He was sent by the Bijapur Sultanate to punish Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, for his rebellious activities.

The Bijapur Sultanate:
The Bijapur Sultanate was one of the prominent Muslim kingdoms in South India during the medieval period. It was founded by Yusuf Adil Shah in 1489 and lasted until its annexation by the Mughal Empire in 1686. The sultans of Bijapur were known for their military prowess and patronage of art and culture.

Afzal Khan's Mission:
Afzal Khan was appointed by the Bijapur Sultanate to eliminate the growing threat posed by Shivaji, who had successfully established an independent Maratha kingdom in the western regions of India. Shivaji's activities, such as raiding Mughal territories and capturing forts, had caught the attention of the neighboring kingdoms.

Confrontation with Shivaji:
In 1659, Afzal Khan led a large army and marched towards Shivaji's stronghold in the Western Ghats. The two commanders eventually agreed to meet for negotiations, and a meeting was arranged between them in the village of Pratapgad.

The Battle of Pratapgad:
During the meeting, Afzal Khan attempted to assassinate Shivaji by embracing him tightly and wearing a hidden dagger. However, Shivaji anticipated the attack and managed to counter it by slaying Afzal Khan with a Tiger's Claw, a weapon concealed in his own hand. This incident marked a significant turning point in Shivaji's career and further boosted his reputation as a formidable warrior.

Conclusion:
Afzal Khan, a military commander from the Bijapur Sultanate, was sent to punish Shivaji for his rebellious activities. However, he was ultimately defeated in the Battle of Pratapgad, which had a profound impact on the course of Indian history.

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