Question

Explain the Portuguese - Maratha relation:

Relationship between the Portuguese and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Answer 1

1. 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.”
2. The Portuguese were in alliance with Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Therefore, the Marathas decided to act against the Portuguese. Hence, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj attacked Revdanda.
3. The Portuguese reacted by putting the Fonda fort under siege. The Maratha army successfully broke through the siege and attacked Goa. Yesaji Kank, the chief of Maratha infantry and a very close associate of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, fought with great valour.
4. The Portuguese governor was injured on the battlefield. He had to beat a retreat. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj chased the Portuguese army, which got trapped in a deadlock. However, the news of the Mughal attack on south Konkan was received in the Maratha camp. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his army, who were on the verge of conquering Goa, had to leave halfway and rush to fight the Mughals.