The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c7.s7.64

c7.s7.64

In 1570 the kings of Bijápur and Ahmadnagar entered into an alliance against the Portuguese; and while the Bijápur troops in great force invaded the district around Goa, those of Ahmadnagar besieged Chaul, which was defended by Don Francisco de Mascarenhas, afterwards the first Viceroy under Philip II. of Spain.² This was one of the severest trials the Portuguese ever had to undergo, and the result covered them with glory. They estimated the troops of Ahmadnagar which invaded their territories at 42,000 cavalry and 120,000 infantry, a force which it is needless to say would have eaten up the Konkan ten times over. After the Musalmáns had several times unsuccessfully assaulted the fort a battle was fought outside, in which the Musalmáns were defeated, and soon after they made peace and retired.³ All that the Muhammadan historian Ferishta says of this expedition is that the king Mortaza Nizám Sháh marched against the fort of Revdanda belonging to the Portuguese, but was obliged to raise the siege after a blockade of some months, as the enemy obtained provisions by sea, owing to the treachery of the Nizám Sháhi officers who were bribed by presents, particularly of wine.⁴ While this was going on the Portuguese were able to make an attack from Bassein on Kalyán, which then belonged to Ahmadnagar. The suburbs were burnt and a considerable booty taken. Their fleet also destroyed Dábhol.⁵ On the other hand 4000 Ahmadnagar cavalry marched along the Konkan north of Chaul to cut off reinforcements and supplies from Bassein, and the Portuguese were besieged in Karanja, where they had a small fort and forty men: they were however relieved from Sálsette.⁶ The terms of the peace were altogether favourable to the Portuguese.