The first Muslim invasion of the Deccan took place in 1296. Muslim rule over Satara lasted till 1707. In 1636 the Nizam Shahi Dynasty came to an end. Shahaji's son Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empirehad begun to establish himself in the hilly part of Poona in the north where he had been put in possession of his father's estate (Subhedari) at Poona and Supa. The golden age of Maratha rule was at its peak under the able rule of Chatrapati Shivaji. The western part of the district of Satara was covered by dense forests and high hills which is the main reason why Shivaji Maharaj built a number of forts here, figuring almost 25 in number. He fought with a number of adversaries, including the Adil Shahi rulers and the Mughals. One of the major victories of Shivaji Mharaj was his win over Afzal Khan. Due to the growing exploits of Shivaji, Adilshah send Afzal Khan, the giant sardar of Bijapur, to put an end to Shivaji's kingdom. He was accompanied by a huge army. He harassed the people and destroyed several temples from the holy cities of Pandharpur and Tuljapur. The historical defeat and end of Afzal Khan took place at Pratapgad fort, a fort built on a high hill (called Bhorpyacha Dongar) covered with very dense forests and high hills. The fort of Satara was taken over by Aurangzeb on the death of Shivaji. |