[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [General history and culture](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general) › [A History of the Mahrattas](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.grantduff-1826) › v2.c33.2 # A History of the Mahrattas v2.c33.2 A History of the Mahrattas v2.c33.2 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c33.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.grantduff-1826.v2.c33.2) The declared intention of the East India Company in appointing an envoy was for the purpose of acquiring from time to time, upon safe and honourable terms, such privileges and rights as might be beneficial to their commerce and of security to their possessions, by maintaining a friendly intercourse with all the native powers; but carefully abstaining from active alliance with any. The Resident was instructed to communicate to Madras and Bengal direct all intelligence he could procure relative to the designs of the Mahrattas of a nature likely to affect those Presidencies; but the principal objects of the mission were to obtain possession of the island of Salsette, the port of Bassein, and the small islands of Kenery, Hog island, Elephanta, and Caranja. The advantage of these islands was justly considered of great importance, in order to preclude other nations from having access to the spacious and excellent harbour of Bombay; by far the most commodious port in India. It was already celebrated for its dockyard,¹ and was well adapted to become the mart, not only for the supply of the interior of western India, but the emporium of the trade with China, the coasts of Persia, Arabia, and the Red Sea. The occupation of Salsette likewise secured the principal inlet to the Mahratta country for woollens and other staples of England, which are said to have been at that time supplied to the amount of fourteen lacks of rupees annually. The expenses of the Bombay establishment far exceeded the receipts, and it was hoped that by the possession of those places and the Mahratta share of the revenue of Surat the balance would be nearly equal. - [Previous: v2.c33.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.grantduff-1826.v2.c33.1) - [Next: v2.c33.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.grantduff-1826.v2.c33.3) - [Up: v2.c33](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.grantduff-1826.v2.c33) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.grantduff-1826.v2.c33.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.grantduff-1826.v2.c33.2) · Pramāṇa