Inscriptions on the walls of the Brihadeeswarar (Brahadeeshwarar) Temple describe the famous encounter between Shivaji and Afzal Khan. Written in Marathi, they lie on the south-west walls near the Vinayagar shrine and date to the reign of Serfoji II, chronicling the Bhonsale dynasty.
- They recount how Shivaji killed Afzal Khan with tiger-claws during their meeting at Jawali fort, Maharashtra.
- They mention Serfoji II's support to the British in the war against the Marudu brothers.
- They refer to Danish missionary Friedrich Christian Schwartz and Maratha rule in Thanjavur.