Q. Shivaji's 1659 capture of Panhala Fort targeted which Sultanate?
Answer: Bijapur Sultanate
Notes: Panhala Fort was under Bijapur Sultanate control before Shivaji captured it in 1659. The fort is located near Kolhapur in present-day Maharashtra. Bijapur Sultanate ruled much of southwestern India during the 17th century. Shivaji frequently clashed with Bijapur as part of his Maratha state-building. The Ahmadnagar Sultanate was annexed by the Mughals before 1659. Golconda and Berar Sultanates did not control Panhala Fort at that time.