The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c15.101

c15.101

Kanhoji left many children by his wives and concubines. Of these six are known to history, Sekhoji, Sambhaji, Manaji, Tulaji, Yesaji and Dhonji.³ Sekhoji was probably the eldest, for his succession to his father's office was uncontested and his authority was acknowledged and respected by his brothers without reluctance. It was during his regime in 1731 that Portuguese vessels at sea were again attacked. The Marathas had made inroads into Portuguese territories to demand and enforce the payment of *sardeshmukhi*; and the Portuguese had retaliated by sending a punitive expedition against Kalyan. The Viceroy despatched a fleet to assist his countrymen in the province of the North. This fleet was driven by inclement weather to take shelter near Angria's stronghold of Gheria and was attacked by him.⁴ The Portuguese accused Sekhoji of treachery, but it should be remembered that the treaty of 1722 had been concluded between the Peshwa as the representative of Shahu on one side and the Portuguese State on the other. Sekhoji’s father was included in the treaty as a servant of Shahu; he was not a principal. Consequently, Sekhoji could not be held responsible for the breach of peace, which was due to the aggressions committed by the Peshwa’s officers. As the hereditary Admiral of the Maratha navy he could not permit Portuguese vessels carrying reinforcements against his master’s territories to make free use of his ports or to proceed to their destination unimpeded. Once peace was terminated Sekhoji did not hesitate to harass Portuguese trading vessels. In 1731 he captured two merchant Pals and one Gallivat,¹ and in 1733 eleven of his Gallivats appeared near the bar of Goa and prevented free navigation until they were driven off.