The hard - fought battle to annex Bassein and bring to an end a cruel Portuguese regime of two hundred years that saw unmentionable atrocities, heinous form of torture, unethical forced conversions to Christianity and deplorable religious persecution is one of the most glorious chapters of Maratha history. This resounding success for the Marathas and Peshwa... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Battle of Bassein
The Marathas began their campaign on a high note capturing Mahim on 9 January 1739 and Tarapur and Asheri on 24 January 1739. They captured the important island of Dharavi at the mouth of the Bassein creek on 6 March 1739 effectively sealing the fate of the main fortress. This victory gave the Marathas... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The citadel of Bassein
The fortified enclosure of Bassein, the pride of the Portuguese on the west coast held its own and resisted all attacks by the Marathas from land. This triangular piece of land measuring a mile and a half in circumference had good defensive walls of 5 feet thickness and were almost 30 to 40 feet high.... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: A religious war waged against the Portuguese
The total annihilation of the Portuguese, a dominant naval power with advanced artillery is one of the most glorious chapters of Maratha history. The Portuguese controlled several strategic posts on the west coast extending from Goa to Daman. These fortified enclosures served as impregnable defences to any attacks from land or sea. The Peshwa desired... Continue Reading →
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