Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, is one of the most revered figures in Indian history. A master strategist, a brilliant military tactician, and a visionary leader, he carved out an independent kingdom in the face of formidable opposition from the Mughal Empire and other regional powers. His reign was defined by a series of audacious and clever military campaigns. This 2026 historical guide explores the major battles fought by Shivaji Maharaj, showcasing the military genius that made him a legend.
Quick Answer
The major battles fought by Shivaji Maharaj include the Battle of Pratapgad (1659), where he famously defeated Afzal Khan; the Battle of Kolhapur (1659), showcasing his speed; the strategic Sack of Surat (1664), which targeted Mughal wealth; and the Battle of Sinhagad (1670), a daring night assault led by his general Tanaji Malusare. These victories established the foundation of the Maratha Empire.
The Military Genius of Shivaji Maharaj
Shivaji Maharaj’s military success was not based on brute force alone. His army was smaller than those of his adversaries, so he relied on innovation, strategy, and psychological warfare. Key elements of his military doctrine included:
- Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kava): He perfected the use of swift, surprise attacks, ambushes, and quick retreats. He used the hilly terrain of the Sahyadris to his advantage, harassing larger, slower-moving enemy armies.
- Naval Power: Recognizing the importance of controlling the coastline, he was one of the first Indian rulers to build a strong navy to protect trade and challenge European and Siddi naval power.
- Network of Forts: He understood that forts were the key to controlling territory. He captured, built, and refortified hundreds of hill forts, which served as his strategic bases, administrative centers, and safe havens. Our guide to the historical forts in Maharashtra provides more insight into these incredible structures.
- Intelligence Network: He had a highly efficient network of spies (‘bahirjis’) who provided him with crucial information about enemy movements, plans, and the layout of their camps.
The Most Significant Battles and Campaigns
Let’s delve into the major military engagements that defined Shivaji’s rise to power.
1. The Battle of Pratapgad (1659)
This is perhaps the most famous event in Shivaji’s life. The Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur sent its powerful general, Afzal Khan, with a large army to crush the rising Maratha leader. Afzal Khan, known for his cruelty and strength, marched through Maharashtra, desecrating temples to provoke Shivaji. A meeting was arranged between the two leaders at the foothills of Pratapgad fort. Wary of Khan’s treachery, Shivaji went prepared. He wore chain mail under his clothes and concealed a ‘wagh nakh’ (tiger claws) in his hand. When Afzal Khan tried to stab him during their embrace, Shivaji used the wagh nakh to disembowel the general, killing him. In the pre-planned signal that followed, the hidden Maratha forces launched a surprise attack on the unsuspecting Bijapuri army, routing them completely.
2. The Battle of Kolhapur (1659)
Following the victory at Pratapgad, Shivaji’s forces pushed deeper into Adilshahi territory. The Bijapuris sent another general, Rustam Zaman, to confront him near Kolhapur. In this battle, Shivaji demonstrated his mastery of battlefield tactics. He divided his army into three units, launching a swift and coordinated attack from multiple directions. The surprised and overwhelmed Adilshahi army was decisively defeated, cementing Maratha dominance in the region.
3. The Sack of Surat (1664 and 1670)
This was not a conventional battle but a brilliant strategic move. Surat was a wealthy port city and a major commercial hub of the Mughal Empire. To fund his growing empire and strike a blow at Mughal prestige, Shivaji launched a daring raid on the city in 1664. His forces quickly overwhelmed the local defenses and plundered the city’s vast wealth, carefully avoiding harm to the common people and religious institutions. He repeated this successful raid in 1670. The Sacks of Surat were a huge psychological and financial blow to Emperor Aurangzeb.
4. The Battle of Purandar (1665)
This battle represents a temporary setback for Shivaji. Emperor Aurangzeb, enraged by the Sack of Surat, sent his most powerful general, Mirza Raja Jai Singh, with a massive army to subdue the Marathas. Jai Singh laid a relentless siege to the fort of Purandar, which was bravely defended by the Maratha commander Murarbaji Deshpande. Facing the prospect of a long and devastating war, Shivaji made a strategic decision to negotiate. He signed the Treaty of Purandar, ceding several forts to the Mughals and agreeing to visit Aurangzeb’s court in Agra. This was a tactical retreat, not a surrender.
5. The Battle of Sinhagad (1670)
This battle is a tale of legendary courage and sacrifice. The formidable fort of Kondhana (later renamed Sinhagad) was under Mughal control. Shivaji entrusted his trusted general and childhood friend, Tanaji Malusare, with the task of recapturing it. On a dark night, Tanaji and his small band of soldiers scaled the sheer cliffs of the fort using ropes tied to a monitor lizard (‘ghorpad’). A fierce battle ensued. Though Tanaji fought with incredible bravery and managed to open the fort gates for the Maratha army, he was tragically killed. When Shivaji heard of his friend’s death, he famously remarked, “Gad ala, pan sinha gela” (We have won the fort, but the lion is gone). In his honor, the fort was renamed Sinhagad (The Lion’s Fort).
Timeline of Major Battles
| Year | Battle / Event | Opponent | Outcome |
| 1659 | Battle of Pratapgad | Adilshahi Sultanate (Afzal Khan) | Decisive Maratha victory; Afzal Khan killed. |
| 1659 | Battle of Kolhapur | Adilshahi Sultanate (Rustam Zaman) | Decisive Maratha victory. |
| 1664 | First Sack of Surat | Mughal Empire | Successful raid; immense wealth acquired. |
| 1665 | Battle of Purandar | Mughal Empire (Raja Jai Singh) | Mughal victory; led to the Treaty of Purandar. |
| 1670 | Battle of Sinhagad | Mughal Empire | Maratha victory; Tanaji Malusare’s sacrifice. |
| 1674 | Coronation | – | Shivaji formally crowned Chhatrapati (Sovereign King). |
Mistakes and Misconceptions about Shivaji’s Battles
- Thinking He Was Just a Raider: While raids like the Sack of Surat were part of his strategy, Shivaji was primarily a kingdom-builder. He established a formal administration, a system of revenue, and a code of conduct for his soldiers.
- Underestimating His Navy: Shivaji’s naval fleet is often overlooked. It was crucial for controlling the Konkan coast, protecting Maratha merchants, and collecting taxes from maritime trade.
- Believing He Was Anti-Muslim: Shivaji’s fight was against the political power of the Mughals and the Adilshahi Sultanate, not against the religion of Islam. He had many Muslim soldiers and commanders in his army, and his policies were known to be tolerant and just towards all his subjects.
Conclusion
The major battles fought by Shivaji Maharaj are more than just historical events; they are inspiring tales of courage, strategy, and an indomitable spirit. From the cunning victory at Pratapgad to the heroic sacrifice at Sinhagad, these campaigns laid the foundation for an empire that would dominate India for the next century. Shivaji’s military legacy, particularly his use of guerrilla warfare and strategic thinking, continues to be studied and admired. This 2026 guide serves as a tribute to the Chhatrapati, a king who fought for ‘Swaraj’ (self-rule) and established himself as one of the greatest warrior-kings in Indian history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was ‘wagh nakh’ (tiger claws)?
The wagh nakh was a small, concealable weapon consisting of four or five sharp, curved blades affixed to a crossbar or glove. It was designed to be worn on the hand and could slash through skin and muscle, making it a deadly weapon in close-quarter combat, as famously used by Shivaji against Afzal Khan.
What happened during Shivaji’s visit to Agra?
As part of the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji visited Aurangzeb’s court in Agra in 1666. He was expecting to be treated with honor but was instead made to stand with lower-ranking nobles, which he saw as a grave insult. He was placed under house arrest but managed to pull off a legendary escape by hiding in large baskets of sweets that were being sent out as charity.
What does ‘Chhatrapati’ mean?
‘Chhatrapati’ is a Sanskrit title that means ‘Sovereign’ or ‘Emperor’. By having himself crowned Chhatrapati in 1674 at a grand ceremony in Raigad fort, Shivaji declared the formal establishment of a sovereign Maratha Empire, independent of Mughal or Adilshahi authority.
Did Shivaji fight against the British?
Shivaji’s primary adversaries were the Mughals and the Deccan Sultanates. However, he did have encounters with European powers on the coast, including the British, Portuguese, and the Dutch. He fought several naval skirmishes with the British East India Company over issues of trade and sovereignty on the Konkan coast.
What is ‘Ganimi Kava’?
‘Ganimi Kava’ is the Marathi term for the guerrilla warfare tactics perfected by Shivaji Maharaj. It involved using the landscape, speed, and surprise to conduct raids, ambushes, and disruptive attacks on larger and less mobile enemy forces, minimizing Maratha casualties while maximizing damage to the enemy.