Netaji Palkar was the first Sarnaubat (Commander-in-chief) in the army of Shivaji, the legendary king in 17th century India. Netaji was related by marriage to Shivaji (Netaji's niece was married to Shivaji). Netaji was a very brave and talented general. During the period of rise of Shivaji (1645-65), Netaji was given charge of many expeditions which he successfully completed. His greatest success was the campaign against the Adilshah of Bijapur that followed the killing of Afzal Khan. Such was his standing among the population that he was known as "Prati Shivaji" (Image of Shivaji). However, upon defeat of Shivaji at the hands of Mirza Raje Jai Singh , Shivaji and Netaji fell out. Shivaji Bhonsle, also known as Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj (February 19, 1630 - April 3, 1680) was the founder of the Maratha empire in western India in 1674. ... Bijapuri general killed by Shivaji at Pratapghad, 1658 ...

Netaji then accepted employment in the army of Bijapur. Mirza Raje Jaisingh bought him over to the Mughal side with higher monetary offer. When Shivaji escaped from Agra, Mirza Raje fell out of favor of Aurangzeb. Among the people arrested and sent to Agra was Netaji. In attempt to save his life, Netaji converted into Islam, taking up the name of Muhammed Kuli Khan.

After a decade Netaji turned up at the court of Shivaji , begging to be taken back into the Hindu fold. Shivaji arranged for reconversion of Netaji, however he was never given a prominent position in his court or army.