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 →
On the history trail: Conquest of Kudal by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Kudal, located to the south of Rajapur was governed by Lakham Sawant of the Sawants of Wadi who in the past had proved to be false to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on more than one occasion. He was a jagirdar under Bijapur and though had publicly claimed to accept Shivaji's leadership and ambitious goal of Hindavi Swarajya,... Continue Reading →
