New History of the Marathas v2.c25.29

v2.c25.29

2. Tulaji Angria defiant.—The Angrias and their navy were the guardians of the western sea-board of the Maratha State. During Shahu's lifetime the Peshwa could not exercise full powers in restraining the disobedient sardars. For the safety of the Maratha raj, as well as for restraining the aggression of the western powers, the west coast had to be carefully guarded from danger, and in this respect Tulaji Angria’s hostility to the Peshwa soon became intolerable. In addition to the internal disputes of Indian powers, the French and the English trading companies now directly interfered in Indian politics. Bengal and Madras they largely seized and it became the Peshwa’s duty to guard the west coast from a similar fate. It was necessary for him to have the Maratha navy entirely under his control.