Shivaji's victory over Afzal Khan caught the popular imagination of the local public, and ballads glorifying the event were sung by wandering bards (gondhalis). The victory is also glorified in the local literature (see Powada). The "Afzal Khan Vadh" equates Shivaji to Rama, and Afzal Khan to Ravana. The "Shiva-Bharata" similarly describes Shivaji as an avatar of Vishnu, while portraying Afzal Khan as a demonic incarnation. The "Shri-Shiva-Prabhuche" compares the conflict to the legendary Kurukshetra War, equating Shivaji to Bhima and Afzal Khan to Duryodhana.