A History of the Mahrattas v1.c11.8

v1.c11.8

The ancient possessions of the Beejapoor state in the Concan were held in Jagheer, or farmed to the hereditary Deshmookhs, with the exception of the sea ports of Dabul, Anjenweel, Ratnaguiry, and Rajapoor, which, with their dependent districts, were held by government officers. The principal hereditary chiefs were the Sawunts of Waree; they were Deshmookhs and Jagheerdars of the strong tract adjoining the Portuguese territory at Goa, and their harbours were the resort of pirates, early known by the name of Koolees. Next in consequence to the Sawunts were the Dulweys ² of Sringarpoor, who, from occupying an unfrequented tract, were, like the Raja of Jowlee, nearly independent.