Question

Write a short note.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Portuguese relations.

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. Soon, the Portuguese were brought to a point of despair by the Marathas. In fact, in the beginning, the Portuguese had extended technological help for shipbuilding to the Marathas. However, the Portuguese Governor of Goa withdrew this help. The Portuguese now promptly provided help to Siddis when the Maratha army was organizing an attack on the Janjira fort against them.

The Portuguese established a factory at Dabhol by obtaining a sanction from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. At the same time, the local people were unhappy because of the Portuguese laws, which were favourable for religious conversions. Therefore, in 1667, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to attack the region of Bardesh. The people of Bardesh welcomed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj wholeheartedly.

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.

The panic felt by the Portuguese because of the warfare skills of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is clearly reflected when the Portuguese Governor said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was no doubt a mighty warrior but his strategies against the enemy during the peaceful times were much more daunting. Now his death has relieved the Portuguese authorities from his terror.”