Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?

About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

• He was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. 
• He was born on February 19, 1630, to Shahaji Bhosle and Jijabai in the fort of Shivneri, near the city of Junnar in the Pune district, Maharashtra. 
• With his valor and great administrative skills, Shivaji carved out an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur. It eventually became the genesis of the Maratha Empire.
• After establishing his rule, Shivaji implemented a competent and progressive administration with the help of a disciplined military and a well-established administrative set-up.
• He was known as the Father of the Indian Navy. Shivaji was the first to realise the importance of having a naval force, and therefore he strategically established a navy and forts at the coastline to defend the Konkan side of Maharashtra.
• He was called the 'Mountain Rat' and was widely known for his guerrilla warfare tactics. He was called so because of his awareness of geography of his land and guerrilla tactics like raiding, ambushing, and surprise attacks on his enemies.
• He was a secular ruler who was very accommodating of all religions. He had numerous Muslim soldiers in his army.
• Shivaji was a dependable supporter of women and their honour. Anyone under his rule caught violating woman's rights was severely punished.
• He had a council of ministers (Asht Pradhan) to advise him on the matters of the state, but he was not bound by it.

Q1) What is the Battle of Pratapgarh?

The Battle of Pratapgad was a land battle fought on November 10, 1659 at the fort of Pratapgad near the town of Satara, Maharashtra, India between the forces of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Adilshahi general Afzal Khan. The Marathas defeated the Adilshahi forces despite being outnumbered. It was their first significant military victory against a major regional power, and led to the eventual establishment of the Maratha Empire.

Source: How Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan with his ‘Wagh Nakh’