New History of the Marathas v1.c17.70

v1.c17.70

During 1683 Sambhaji personally attacked the Portuguese at Chaul and Goa. The Portuguese Governor Tavora felt consternation at being placed between the Mughal ‘monster’ and the Maratha ‘devil’, and was reduced to such straits that he found his situation hopeless. This situation is eloquently explained by the Italian Manucci then present at Goa. The heroic fight before Phonda between Sambhaji and the Portuguese during the months of October and November of 1683 and the former’s capture of that stronghold, practically annihilated the Governor’s hopes of defending Goa. He in his extremity opened the grave of their great protector, St. Xavier, held a congregation in that holy presence of priests and populace and offered prayers in an all night vigil for the rescue of his nation’s fortunes. The Saint did indeed work a miracle. As Goa was on the point of surrendering, Sambhaji suddenly retired having received news of a Mughal army threatening his rear, led by Shah Alam the Emperor’s eldest son, who came upon Sambhaji’s track under pressure from his father. The Maratha king had to beat a hurried retreat in order to save his life and forces from capture. This happened towards the end of November 1683. Goa was thus miraculously saved and the incident marked the decline of the Maratha king’s fortunes. The Sawant of Wadi in the immediate neighbourhood of Goa, was also incited by the Emperor to oppose Sambhaji and was severely threatened to be put out of existence if he declined.