The Thanjavur Big Temple, an architectural marvel from the Chola dynasty in Tamil Nadu, India, houses significant inscriptions that narrate the history of the Bhonsala family. Among these, the largest inscription, attributed to Serfoji II, vividly describes the legendary confrontation between Chhatrapati Shivaji, adorned with tiger-claws, and Afzal Khan, a general from the Adil Shahi dynasty of the Bijapur Sultanate. This inscription, located on the south-western walls near the Vinayagar Temple, is written in Marathi and also honors the contributions of Rev. Friedrich Christian Schwartz, a Danish missionary. The inscriptions not only recount the fierce battle but also document the aftermath, including the continued resistance led by Afzal Khan's minister, Krishnaji Pant. The historical account is compiled in the book 'Bhonsala Vamsa Charitra,' published by the Sarasvati Mahal Library, and is available in Marathi, Tamil, and a brief English version, providing a comprehensive look at this pivotal moment in Maratha history.