Question

State your Opinion.

Portuguese policy regarding the Marathas was flexible.

Answer 1

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj first came in contact with the Portuguese when he established his control on Kalyan and Bhiwandi. The Portuguese were alarmed when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built a strong Maratha navy.

Both the Portuguese and the Marathas, in matters of diplomatic relations, adopted policies to suit the situation. In 1665, the Portuguese waylaid 13 ships of the Marathas, while it was passing by the ports on the Karnataka coast. However, they soon released those ships as they were scared of the powerful Maratha navy.

In 1666, while the Fort of Fonda ruled by Adilshah was under siege by Marathas, the Portuguese supplied ammunition to the Adilshahi Killedar. 

A treaty was signed between the Portuguese and the Marathas on 10th February 1670. The following conditions were agreed upon – if either of them plundered the other’s ships, then the victim party should be properly compensated, all those concessions given to the Mughal ships in transit should also be given to the Maratha ships, no help be extended to the Siddis against the Marathas and not to build forts in the territory of Ramnagar (presently a village in Jawhar Tehsil, Thane). There was a dispute about the issue of collecting Chauthai* between the Portuguese and the Marathas which remained unresolved till the end.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had determined to humble the Portuguese. There were many reasons for it, such as the Portuguese opposing the construction work by the Marathas in Chaul, forcing their subjects in Goa for religious conversion, and pillaging of the trading ships. The Marathas defeated the Portuguese during the siege of Fonda fort. Hence, Portuguese policy regarding the Marathas was flexible.