Q. Which was the first fort captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, marking his emergence as a formidable military commander?
Answer: Torna Fort
Notes: Torna Fort, located in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri range, was the first fort captured by Shivaji in 1646, marking the beginning of his military career. This victory established his reputation and was a crucial early milestone in the formation of the Maratha Empire.