In the year 1659, the Queen-mother called an assembly of the court nobles.

" as you are aware,"

said she, "we have to strengthen our position. We have to crush Shivaji first and foremost!".
When she asked for volunteers, her brother in law Afzul khan was the first to offer his services.
Afzul khan was an Afghan of great height(7ft) and enormous strength. Under his command, a
large army was assembled, equipped with Turkish artillery. In open court, Afzul khan, declared "
Watch me! Watch me while I hunt out that rat. I will imprison him in a cage, and bring him to
Bijapur!"

In private, however, the Queen-mother shrewdly advised him, "it is best to capture Shivaji by
pretending friendship."But ill-omens and an atmosphere of dread surrounded Afzul khan.
According to an old Maratha story, when Afzul khan went to pray, the priest recoiled in terror.
For said he, "there is no head on this man's neck! All I can see is a gaping hole full of blood!"
Afzal Khan knew that this means that death was certain.

but he set out with his army and created havoc at every step of his advance into Maratha
country. HINDU TEMPLES WERE TORN DOWN AND SACRED CATTLE WERE SLAUGHTERED. Afzul
khan also ordered an uncomfortable cage to be built. In this, he threatened to capture Shivaji
and carry him to Bijapur. As Afzul khan approached, panic-filled the Marathas, who had so far
been successful with surprise attacks on their enemies. Afzul khan was leading a massive army
-with Arab cavalry, Afghan and Pathan infantry, and Turkish artillery.

While Shivaji's followers were keen to surrender and sign a peace treaty, Shivaji himself felt
that they should attack Afzul khan. He knew that unless his followers faced a big army in Battle,
they would always be scared of similar attacks in the future.

Discussions continued throughout the night. Finally, Shivaji managed to convince his men. Just
then the unexpected happened -a group of messengers came from Afzul Khan. The terms of the
treaty were attractive and generous - if Shivaji agreed to recognize the authority of Bijapur, the
sultan would allow him to govern his territory in peace.

Shivaji, of course, knew nothing about the Queen-mother's advice to Afzul khan and was very
surprised at the message of peace. But he did not show his suspicion. One of the messengers
was a Brahman. That night, when the whole camp was asleep, Shivaji went to the Brahman. He
fell at his feet and said, "Sir, if you are a good Hindu, please tell me the truth. I am at your
mercy."

The Brahman thought for a while, remembering the horrible way Afzul Khan had destroyed
temples and idols on the way. Then said he, "I do not know all the details. But it is certain, that
this message of peace is to trick you. Once you enter Afzul Khan's camp you will be captured.

Shivaji thanked the Brahman, promising to reward him after the war. He said, "You have to be
very kind to me today. But I beg you to do me another favor." The Brahman nodded, and Shivaji
continued, "when you return to your camp, please tell the khan that I am out of my mind with
fear. Tell him, that since I am too scared to come to meet him, can he come to meet me
instead? After all, this should not be difficult for the Brave khan!"
The messenger returned to Afzul Khan the next day. "Of course I will go to meet that coward
Shivaji," roared the khan with pleasure. The Brahman suggested the top of the slope under the
high fort of Pratapgad, which Shivaji had built. It was an open ground overlooking the Koyna
valley, surrounded by thick jungle. Only Shivaji's men knew the confusing paths through this
jungle. Shivaji ordered his men to clear a path through the tangle of bushes, leading to the open
ground. He posted his men, invisible to anyone in the dark jungle. Through the night he prayed
to the Mother-Goddess. At dawn, he got ready to leave.

He put on a white coat, but under it, he wore a coat of armor. In his belt, he put a dagger-
shaped like a scorpion, and in the palm of his left hand, he held a small but terrible weapon -the
"WAGH-NAKH", or the claws of a tiger - a row of sharp steel claws. Shivaji knew that his task
was very dangerous. His mother blessed him, "Victory shall be yours........be careful my son, be
careful."

Meanwhile, in Afzul khan's camp, there was cheer and celebration. Both he and Shivaji were
allowed to bring three men along with them. The Brahman guided them, passing the path in the
forest, watched by hundreds of invisible eyes. At the meeting-place, a great tent had been
erected, full of silk carpets and cushions. Shivaji and Afzul khan entered the tent along with two
attendants. The other two stood guard outside.

At first, Afzul khan seemed keen to quarrel. He accused Shivaji of making trouble for the Bijapur
government. But Shivaji kept praising Afzul khan and he was satisfied. He opened his arms to
hug Shivaji, as was the custom between enemies at a peace conference.

Shivaji stepped forward to accept the embrace. He was much shorter than Afzul khan. As soon
as Afzul Khan held Shivaji, he moved his arm up. Shivaji's back and clutched him round neck. It
was a wrestler's grip. For a minute Shivaji was sure of instant Death.

AND THEN, WITH A SUDDEN JERK, HE TWISTED AROUND AND GOT HIS RIGHT ARM FREE. OUT
CAME THE 'WAGH-NAKH' HIDDEN IN PALM OF HIS HAND, HE DREW THE TIGER CLAWS FROM
HIS BELT AND DROVE IT INTO AFZUL KHAN'S SIDE.

The Afghan staggered back, shouting with anger and pain. Hearing the noise, the attendants
rushed inside. It was a short fight because the Muhammadans were keen to rush away with
their wound leader. But the Marathas followed them, wounding and killing all the followers of
Afzul khan. AFZUL KHAN'S HEAD WAS CUTT OFF AND LIFTED FOR ALL TO SEE.

Trumpets sounded and Shivaji's followers hiding in the jungle poured out. The Bijapur army was
taken back at the Maratha attack. They did not even know that their leader was dead.

This battle happened today November 10. If

November 10th hadn't taken place as
planned by this Hindu ruler, then there
would have been no Hindus in BHARAT JAI
BHAVANI! JAI SHIVAJI!...............................