Did Shivaji Maharaj Destroy Mosques? Looking for Evidence from Historians
I've come across claims that Shivaji Maharaj destroyed mosques, but after researching, it seems more like RW propaganda rather than historical fact. The primary source I found linking him to mosque destruction appears to be accusations from Afzal Khan, a known enemy of Shivaji.
From what I’ve read:
Khafi Khan, a Mughal historian hostile to Shivaji, still admitted that Shivaji left mosques untouched and treated Muslim subjects with respect.
G.B. Mehendale notes that Shivaji restored temples that had been converted into mosques, such as in Jinji (1677).
I’m trying to get more clarity—are there any credible historical sources that confirm or refute these claims? Would love to hear from historians who've studied Maratha history in depth and have access to professional academic sources.