The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c7.s8.279

c7.s8.279

In January 1739 Chimnáji Appa assumed command in the Northern Konkan, and took Khatalvada, Dáhánu, Kelva, Shirgaon, and Tárápur. At all these places there were forts, that of Tárápur being the most considerable, and the defence was very obstinate. There still seemed a chance for the Portuguese, for the Peshwa alarmed at the approach of Nadir Sháh recalled Chimnaji Appa and his force from the Konkan to help to resist the invaders in the north of India. But by this time Vesáva and Dhárávi, the last forts in Sálsette, had surrendered, and the siege of Bassein had commenced and Chimnáji Appa was hero enough to disregard the order of recall.⁵ The commandant of Bassein offered to pay tribute to the Maráthás and to humble himself as the Sidi had done, but this was of no avail. The city was invested on February 17, and the capitulation took place on May 16. During the interval the Portuguese showed all the heroism that was possible to a besieged force, and repulsed the attacks which were made with constantly increasing obstinacy. Had they been supported by a fleet they might have held out till the rains should necessitate the retreat of the Marátha army, but Mánáji Angria blockaded the sea approach and their provisions were exhausted. They made frequent and urgent appeals to the Bombay Government to assist them, which, unfortunately for our national fame, were disregarded,⁶ and two different treaties were entered into during the month of April ceding territory near Goa, but were not apparently ratified.¹ They are believed to have lost 800 men during the siege and the Maráthás acknowledge to 5000.²