[1] Shahaji served as the second-in-command of the Bijapur army under the esteemed general Randaula Khan during the campaign to conquer Mysore.

In an act of disregard for the larger implications of his actions, the chieftain of Sumuki Bagur sought military assistance from the Sultan of Bijapur to defeat his rival, Kempe Gowda.

Unable to endure the humiliation, Chennaiah sought refuge in Bijapur, where he entered the service of the Sultan as a Mansabdar commanding 200 horsemen.

Known as Gurikara Channalah, he reportedly informed the Sultan:[3] Kanthirava Narasaraja I, the present roler of Mysore has incurred the displeasure of his subjects by assassinating a powerful Dulvoy, Vikrama Raya and confering the office on Thimmarpalah.

[2] Impressed by Randaula Khan's performance, the Sultan appointed him as the Commander-in-Chief and dispatched him with a large army, instructing him to launch an immediate campaign to capture Srirangapatna.

[3][4] In this military expedition, Randaula Khan was tasked with relying on the guidance of Channiah of Nagamangala, who was reputed for his knowledge of every corner of Mysore.

Accompanied by Shahaji, Hanumappa Nayaka, and Gurikara Channalah as his chief advisers and guides, Randaula Khan led an army consisting of 40,000 cavalry, 40 elephants, and 100,000 infantry.

On his way, the forces of the lords of Harenanahalli, Kanakagiri, Sondur, Rayadurg, Turugere (Turuve-kere), Belur, Narasimhapura (Hole Narasipura) palupare, Hiriyur and Chikkanayakanahalli Joined the army of Hanumappa Nayaka.

After receiving solemn assurances, under sacred oaths, that his life would be spared, Kasthuri Ranga agreed to meet Afzal Khan.

It is believed that Shahaji played a key role in influencing Randaula Khan's decision to restore Sira to Hanumappa Nayaka.

[4] Upon learning of the encampment of Randaula Khan, Kempe Gowda, a formidable conqueror, assembled his forces and resolved to confront the enemy.

The ensuing battle raged for three days, during which the Muslim forces fought tenaciously, ultimately defeating Kempe Gowda's army and advancing into the city with the intent of seizing its resources.

Utilizing his intelligence and tactical acumen, he successfully persuaded Kenge Nayaka to join his side, strengthening his position and preparing for the next confrontation.

I will negotiate with the Rajah and bring him out of the fort.At this time, Prince Sriranga Raya, who had rebelled against Emperor Venkatapati II of the Vijayanagara Empire, provided important military assistance to Randaula Khan in his campaign against Kempe Gowda.

[3] With the support of Sriranga Raya and other military leaders, Randaula Khan launched an offensive and successfully captured Bangalore with relative ease, forcing Kempe Gowda to flee.

[3] Shahaji, celebrated as a great savior of Hinduism, played a pivotal role in resolving the conflict between Randaula Khan and Kempe Gowda in Bangalore.

Following the conclusion of the Bangalore Treaty, Randaula Khan recognized the need to appoint a trusted general to oversee the newly conquered city.

Acting on the orders of the Bijapur Sultan, Khan formally entrusted Bangalore to Shahaji's administration and proceeded to advance his broader political agenda.

As a result, Randaula Khan positioned Shahaji at the forefront and left Bangalore in mid-December 1638, heading towards Ramagiri Durga.

"[3] Randaula Khan held a council of war in his tent, where he provided the Vazirs with an accurate account of Kanthirava's unwavering determination and strength, as well as the loyalty of his army generals and state ministers.

Despite facing successive defeats in various regions of Mysore and strong opposition from his own officers, Randaula Khan remained resolute in his decision.

The Mysore generals fought valiantly, ruthlessly slaughtering those who fell into their hands, and successfully drove the remaining forces away from the area surrounding the fort.

[3] Nanjarajendra informed the king about the events at the fort and urged him to seize the golden opportunity to expel the enemies from the country before daybreak.

The spoils of war were presented to King Kanthirava, who, celebrating the army's victory, rewarded the prominent chiefs and warriors with gifts.

[4][5] Randaula Khan, having lost hundreds of his best soldiers, along with numerous trained horses and elephants on the battlefield, could not bear the disgrace.

Another inscription calls him "God Narasimha incarnate, born on earth to destroy the Turushkas" and states that "when he went forth to war, the Mlechchas fell down in a swoon."

[3] Historians of South India, such as Wilks and S. Krishnaswamy Iyangar, relying on various sources, have generally accepted that the Bijapur army was repelled with heavy losses and that Kanthirava achieved an important victory.

[3] The Muhammad Namah, a contemporary Persian source, offers the following account: "Rustam-e-Zaman (Ranadulla Khan) himself led an attack against the Rajah of Srirangapatna, named Kanti Rai (Kanthirava).

Randaula Khan had to leave the area in haste, so he delegated the responsibility of receiving the tribute from the King of Mysore to Qazi Said and the Hindu chieftain Hanumappa Nayaka.

Although Kanthirava Narasaraja reluctantly agreed to the humiliating terms due to his difficult circumstances, his actions in the following years suggest he never intended to fully comply with the agreement.