Shivaji's Wagh Nakh: The Tiger Claws That Killed Afzal Khan

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the legendary weapon that sealed Shivaji Maharaj's destiny: the wagh nakh, or tiger claws. On November 10, 1659, in a tense meeting at the foot of Pratapgad fort, Shivaji used these four curved blades to disembowel the mighty Afzal Khan, the Adil Shahi general who had vowed to crush the Maratha rebellion. We dissect the events leading to that moment—Afzal Khan's campaign, the diplomatic dance, the secret weapon concealed in Shivaji's hand—and examine the aftermath: the Battle of Pratapgad, the fall of Panhala, and the birth of a legend. We also explore the symbolism of the wagh nakh in Maratha culture, its historical authenticity, and its place in Shivaji's strategic genius. Along the way, we touch on the role of Bahirji Naik's intelligence network, the Mavala infantry, and how a single assassination altered the course of Deccan history. This is not just a story of violence; it's a study in courage, deception, and the turning point that gave rise to Swarajya. #ShivajiMaharaj #WaghNakh #AfzalKhan #Pratapgad #MarathaEmpire #Swarajya #HindaviSwarajya #DeccanHistory #AdilShahi #BahirjiNaik #Mavala #BattleOfPratapgad #TigerClaws #IndianHistory #17thCentury #Assassination #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo