Question

Explain the following statement with a reason:

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to attack the region of Bardesh.

Answer 1

1. The northern part of Goa was called ‘Bardesh’, and it was governed by the Portuguese.
2. The Portuguese became alarmed when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built a powerful Maratha navy. Soon, the Marathas had driven the Portuguese to despair.
3. The Portuguese intercepted 13 Maratha ships as they passed the ports along the Karnataka coast. However, they quickly released those vessels because they feared the powerful Maratha navy.
4. In 1966, when the Fort of Fonda, ruled by the Adilshah, was under siege by the Marathas, the Portuguese supplied ammunition to the Adilshahi Killedar.
5. The Portuguese set up a factory at Dabhol after obtaining permission from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
6. Meanwhile, the local people were unhappy because Portuguese laws favored religious conversions.

Therefore, in 1667, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to attack the region of Bardesh.