Bajirao's Konkan Campaign
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| Bajirao's Konkan campaign | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Konkan Region | |||||||||
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| Beligerents | |||||||||
 Maratha Empire |
 Janjira State East India Company Portuguese Empire.svg){kind=small} Hyderabad State | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
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BajiraoChimaji AppaYashwant Rao Pratinidhi Fateh Singh Bhosale Saikoji Angre † Manaji Angre Krishnaji Dabhade Anand Rao Sarlaskar Sambhaji Angre Pilaji JadhavBankaji Naik |
Siddi Rahmakh  Siddi Abdulla XShaikh Yakaub Khan †Siddi Sat †Siddi Yakub †Captain Haldane (WIA) | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| Unknown |
Unknown Siddi Army 2 Portugese battle Ship 1 English Battle Ship | ||||||||
Bajirao's Konkan campaign[1] usually referred as Janjira campaign[3][5] or Janjira War[2]
The succession war after the death of Sidi Rasul Yakut in February 1733 ignited a complex and protracted conflict for control over Janjira, marked by intrigue, shifting alliances, and external interventions. Abdulla, the rightful heir, found himself challenged by his own kin, including his son Sidi Rahman, amidst the ambitions of rebellious governors like Shaikh Yakub Khan. The situation escalated with the involvement of the Marathas, led by Baji Rao and later joined by the Pratinidhi, in a campaign against the Sidis. Despite initial successes, including the conquest of key fortresses, the conflict endured due to the resilience of Janjira fortress and external support sought by the Sidis from European powers and regional rulers[1][2][6]
Background[edit]
The death of Sidi Rasul Yakut in February 1733 triggered a civil war for succession in his kingdom. His son Abdulla, the rightful heir, faced challenges from his brothers and even his own son Sidi Rahman. The situation worsened with the rebellious governors, particularly Shaikh Yakub Khan, who was ambitious and had a Hindu convert background. Intrigues by Prabhu Sardar Yashwant Rao further fueled the internal conflict, leading to Sidi Rahman and Shaikh Yakub Khan aligning with the Marathas.[4] Baji Rao was tasked by Shahu to lead the expedition against the Sidis, with FattehSingh Bhosale joining later.[1][6][2]
Campaign[edit]
Baji Rao seized the fortresses of Tala and Ghosala in the Konkan, then clashed with Saikhoji Angre at Dandrajpuri. Siddi Abdulla was killed at Janjira, prompting a siege. Despite efforts by Baji Rao and Manaji Angre, the fortress held, with the Siddi seeking help from the Portuguese, English, Mughals, and Nizam. Marathas raided various places, but outside aid was limited. The Portuguese sent ships under the guise of mediation, the Mughals urged English assistance, but focused on trade. Ultimately, the siege ended without resolution[6][3]
The Pratinidhi, led by Anand Rao Sarlaskar and Krishnaji Dabhade, joined Baji Rao's campaign on May 20. However, Baji Rao's enthusiasm waned upon their arrival. Despite this, the Pratinidhi's clever intrigues led to the conquest of Raigad on June 8, 1733. Bankaji Naik further strengthened the Maratha cause by capturing Bankot and Mandangad fortresses, then defeating the Sidi at Goalkot on July 8. Although the Sidi fled to the fortress, they did not surrender.[1][6][2]
By July, most of the Sidi's dominions had fallen to the Marathas, alarming the English who had suffered from Angre's actions. They sent a battleship to aid the Sidi against Angre's siege on Underi island, but failed. In September, another squadron was dispatched, coinciding with Saikhoji Angre's death, leading to internal conflicts among the Marathas. Shahu refrained from appointing a single Commander-in-Chief, causing a loss of command at sea to the Sidi and the English, who formed an alliance. The Nizam supported the Sidi, prompting Chimnaji Appa to stay in Poona. Additionally, conflicts between Maratha factions and indifference from allies led to a decline in Maratha activities. Despite attempts to take Janjira, quarrels between the Angre brothers appeared to be failure of the Konkan campaign.[1][3][4]
In December 1733, realizing the challenges including loss of sea control and lack of cooperation, BajiRao sought an honorable peace, recognizing Abdul Rahman as chief of Janjira. Despite this, tensions persisted, leading to ongoing conflict. Efforts to remove Sidi Sat from Anjanwel and Goalkot were hindered by quarrels and lack of siege equipment. In 1736, Shahu dispatched Chimnaji Appa to halt Sidi Sat's aggression. A decisive battle ensued on April 19, resulting in Sidi Sat's defeat and death, along with Sidi Yakub, the fort commandant.[1][6][2]
Result[edit]
In 1736, the Marathas secured victory at a high cost, leading to the death of Siddi Sat and easing Brahmendra Swami and Shahu's concerns. Siddi Rahmakh of Janjira proposed peace terms, ending the war on the condition of friendship with the Peshwa. Despite retaining control of Anjanwel and Goalkot, the Siddi's power declined, confirming the Peshwa's supremacy in the Konkan.[4] The Peshwa's dominance was further solidified due to internal conflicts within the Angre family, which weakened their position. Baji Rao seized the opportunity to intervene in the Angre quarrel, dividing authority and possessions between Sambhaji and Manaji Angre, ultimately diminishing the Angre's strength and resources.[1][6][2][3]
Maratha Portuguese relations after and during the Campaign[edit]
First Phase[edit]
By 1736, Baji Rao had significantly weakened the Sidi and Angre powers, leaving only the Portuguese as a concern. The Portuguese had intervened in domestic disputes among the Angre brothers, aggravating tensions with the Marathas. Their power, established in India since 1498, had declined by the late 17th century, coinciding with the Marathas' ascent. The Portuguese had alienated their Hindu subjects through forcible conversions, destruction of temples, and other oppressive measures. Seeking refuge in Maharashtra, some Hindus, like the Pathare Prabhus, aimed to overthrow Portuguese rule. Gangaji Naik sought support from Sambhaji, Kanhoji Angre, and Khanderao Dabhade without success. In 1720, Baji Rao's influence in Kalyan prompted efforts to engage the Portuguese. Antaji Raghunath and Ramchandra Raghunath of Malad urged Baji Rao for action. Baji Rao, recognizing his growing power, sent Pilaji Jadhav and reinforcements against the Portuguese in 1731, achieving significant victories.[1][6][2]
Second Phase[edit]
The passage describes the strategic movements and battles during the Maratha campaign against Portuguese strongholds in the Konkan region in 1737. Beginning with the gathering of Maratha forces under Baji Rao's command, it details their surprise attacks and captures of forts such as Thana, Salsette, Dharavi, and Arnala. Despite initial successes, delays due to the rainy season and Baji Rao's departure led to a temporary halt in the campaign. However, reconnaissance efforts continued, leading to eventual resumed attacks on Bassein in the following cold weather season.[1]
Fall of Vasai[edit]
During the siege of Baçaim in May 1739, Maratha forces, led by Chimaji Appa, breached the walls near the towers of São Sebastião and Nossa Senhora dos Remedios. Despite fierce Portuguese opposition, the Marathas eventually succeeded, demolishing the tower of São Sebastião and compelling the surrender of the fort on May 16. The remaining garrison left with honors on May 23, with the saffron flag raised over Baçaim.[1]
Maratha English Relations After Campaign[edit]
In May 1739, the English, alarmed by the Portuguese's downfall, dispatched two embassies: one to the Peshwa and the other to Shahu. Captain Inchbird's mission to the Peshwa failed, while Captain Gordon succeeded with Shahu, securing an alliance due to Nadir Shah's impending invasion of Maharashtra. Shahu, relieved by Nadir Shah's departure and the Portuguese's defeat, warmly welcomed the English envoy, prompting an alliance granting free trade throughout the Peshwa's domains. By June 1739, the Peshwa's authority extended over the North and the Konkan.[1][6][2]
Aftermath[edit]
During the fallout with the Sidi, Sambhaji aimed to weaken the Angres by fueling their conflicts. Exploiting their discord, he instigated a clash in 1734, attempting to seize Anjanwel from Sidi Sat. Manaji, eager for power, betrayed Sambhaji, aligning with the Portuguese against him. Sambhaji's subsequent retaliation was initially repelled, but when Manaji failed to honor his agreement with the Portuguese, they withdrew support, allowing Sambhaji to reclaim Kolaba. Manaji, realizing his mistake, sought aid from the Peshwa, offering territory in exchange. The Peshwa intervened, granting Kolaba to Manaji and Suvarnadurg to Sambhaji, seeking to balance power between them. Sambhaji and his ally, the Pratinidhi, opposed the division of power and possessions of Anges, despite Shahu's approval. Baji Rao's actions in the Konkan in 1736 led to conflict with Sambhaji and sparked a war with the Portuguese. Even after the Portuguese defeat in 1739, internal strife persisted, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Angre family. This decline, starting in 1735, culminated in their complete destruction in 1755[2][1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Sinha H. N. (1954). Rise Of The Peshwas (1954). pp. 177–196.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Sardesai, Govind Sakharam (1946). New History Of The Marathas Vol.2. pp. 136–141.
- ^ a b c d e Srinivasan, C. K. (1961). Baji Rao I, the Great Peshwa. Asia Publishing House. pp. 83–93.
- ^ a b c d Gordon, Stewart (2007-02-01). The Marathas 1600-1818. Cambridge University Press. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-521-03316-9.
- ^ Dighe, Vishvanath Govind (1944). Peshwa Bajirao I & Maratha Expansion. Karnatak publishing house. p. 43.
- ^ a b c d e f g h G.S.Chhabra (2005). Advance Study in the History of Modern India (Volume-1: 1707–1803). Lotus Press. p. 19. ISBN 978-81-89093-06-8.