On the history trail: Plan to attack the Siddis of Janjira delayed by the lackadaisical approach of the Pratinidhi

The desecration of the Parashuram Temple at Chiplun was viewed by the Marathas as a serious attack on their Motherland and Hinduism. It became imperative to curb the activities of the Muslim mercenaries at Janjira. The main point discussed by the Marathas was to free the capital of Raigad from the Siddi’s control. This fort had been handed over by Aurangzeb after its capture in 1689.

 

The strategic posts of Anjanvel and Gowalkot that were close to Chiplun were also discussed in the year of 1732. A possible attack on Janjira was also thought about. Peshwa Bajirao met with Sarkhel Sekhoji Angre in February 1732 to formulate a plan for a simultaneous attack on Janjira by sea and land.

 

In May 1733, the Peshwa launched a vigorous operation against the Siddis capturing several lands and strongholds in quick time. He destroyed the Siddi’s impressive navy in the creek of Rajpuri.

 

The Pratinidhi despatched by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj arrived soon after and managed to capture Raigad Fort on 8 June 1733. The Pratinidhi however, did not follow the appropriate protocol and confer with the Peshwa at Rajpuri on the next course of action.

 

Siddi Sat was well aware of the differences between the Pratinidhi and the Peshwa and decided to use it to his advantage. Bakaji Naik, a resourceful subordinate of the Angres proceeded to Suvarnadurg to work on a plan to capture Anjanvel and Gowalkot.

 

The Pratinidhi arrived at Chiplun and was immediately approached by Siddi Sat for a negotiation. He agreed to surrender Anjanvel and Gowalkot which was only a ploy to get the siege lifted. Promptly, the Pratinidhi instructed Bakaji Naik to lift the siege and wait for the formal surrender.

 

However, Siddi Sat extended the length of negotiations till the monsoon season started. Bakaji Naik was recalled by Sekhoji Angre at the instance of the Peshwa and the Pratinidhi soon realized what a fool he had been.

 

As the rains came out heavy in the Konkan, all military operations were on hold as it was untenable to either prepare a plan to attack by land or sea. The Peshwa and Sekhoji Angre met at Rajpuri and decided to wait for the dry season.

 

The Peshwa wrote to Shahu Raje in August, “The Siddi is not an ordinary enemy; you know how often in the past, heroic attempts to humble him have failed. A tremendous effort is necessary if he is to be finally overcome. Without a complete naval blockade combined with carefully arranged operations by land, it is not possible to overcome him.

 

This means enormous expenditure of money, which is not available. We need at least fifteen thousand expert footmen for an effort of this kind, working through a period of at least two years.

 

Janjira is receiving support from Anjanvel and Underi; these places must first be secured before an attack on this principal stronghold could succeed. We have already exhausted all our money and resources, so that unless you send us ample funds at once, we cannot make any movement. We are putting forth our utmost effort, but that is not enough.

 

The Siddis are getting help from Surat and Bombay also. The Pratinidhi has not come to Rajpuri. I await further orders.”

 

The Siddis made a hurried appeal to the Christian barbarians, the Portuguese at Goa and the British at Bombay, to his colleagues at Surat and even to Nizam-ul-Mulk and the ruler at Delhi. The Peshwa unfortunately came to know of this very late and was unable to make the necessary arrangements.

 

He was thoroughly disgusted with the political intrigues and confusing reports sent to Shahu Raje that not only deterred the military operation, his command and force but also seriously threatened the Maratha sovereignty.

 

Written by Lakshmi Subramanian

 

* Information about Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj is taken from archives