New History of the Marathas v1.c13.58

v1.c13.58

From Kolaba to Malwan the west coast was already in Shivaji’s possession with fortified bases at Kolaba, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg and Sindudurg. Chaul and Janjira were thorns for Shivaji lying in between. Immediately to the south was the important post of Goa, from which the Portuguese could check Shivaji’s naval enterprises. South of Goa there were two more posts Ponda and Karwar, both strong and suitable, belonging to Bijapur, which Shivaji coveted in order to hold the Portuguese in restraint, and also to control the Siddi of Janjira. For executing his plan Shivaji soon after his coronation deputed Ānāji Datto to try and capture Ponda from the Bijapurians. Ānāji proceeded on his task in August 1674 and invested the place, which was valiantly defended by the Bijapuri keeper Muhammad Khan. As Ānāji found his efforts unavailing, Shivaji started for his support, reached Rājāpur on 22 March 1675 and thence despatched 40 vessels full of war material by sea to be used against Ponda. Shivaji himself proceeded against the place by land and besieged it on 8 April. Bahlol Khan ran to the rescue of Ponda, but was stopped on the way by Shivaji’s men. Muhammad Khan soon found his position untenable and surrendered Ponda on 6 May 1675. Shivaji immediately strengthened the defences of the place and provided a strong and picked garrison for its future protection. He thus established his own counterpoise against Goa. His clever foresight could hardly be too much commended. He thereafter marched still southward and captured Karwar as well, with its marine fort called Sadāshivgad. He also annexed the neighbouring State of Sondha. This southern move extended Shivaji’s responsibilities which required to be securely looked after. He created a fresh territorial division and appointed to its head an efficient officer Dharmāji Nāgnāth, just as Rāoji Somnāth was managing the district from Rajapur to Malvan. These two clever governors proved an effective check upon the Portuguese of Goa.