Question

Explain the Portuguese - Maratha relation:

Relationship between the Portuguese and Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj

Answer 1

1. The conflict between the Marathas and the Portuguese was renewed during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. A treaty was signed between the Marathas and Husain Ali Sayyad, the chief representative of the Mughals in the south. This treaty gave the Marathas the right to collect chauthai from the Kalyan-Bhiwandi region.
2. Accordingly, they asked the Portuguese to make the payment. However, the Portuguese governor of Vasai refused to pay. To counter the Marathas, the Portuguese established outposts in Vasai, Asheri, Tarapur, Kelwe, Mahim, Daman, and Chaul (Revdanda). They also intensified their atrocities against the local people.
3. Chimajiappa, the younger brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, was assigned the responsibility of the campaign against the Portuguese. At the onset of the campaign, Chimajiappa took over the fort at Thane. In March 1737, the Maratha army conquered the Sashti island.
4. On another front, Shankaraji Phadke entered Vasai Island. However, taking over Vasai was not enough to establish permanent control over the Portuguese territory until there was a complete victory over the fort of Vasai.
5. The Marathas fought valiantly but their naval force was not strong enough. The Maratha siege of Vasai Fort continued for two years and in the end, the Marathas defeated the Portuguese.