The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c15.17

c15.17

When exactly Kanhoji first challenged the Portuguese supremacy of the seas we do not know, but his first victim was not a merchantman. It was a Portuguese pal-of-war, richly laden and carrying on board the retired Governor of Chaul, who ultimately died from the rigours of his imprisonment.³ Kanhoji next fought two manchuas-of-war belonging to the Portuguese fleet of the North. He burnt one and captured another with 27 Portuguese prisoners. They were all put to the sword, according to a Portuguese official account, except one captain who purchased his life and liberty by paying a ransom of 12,000 Xerafins.¹ Many merchantmen sailing under Portuguese colours shared the same fate and contributed to Kanhoji’s coffers; but the richest spoil that he obtained at the cost of his Portuguese neighbours was in 1712 during the viceroyalty of Rodrigo da Costa, when he boldly attacked the merchant fleet sailing for the ports of the North. The fleet was convoyed by two frigates under the command of Luiz da Costa. Kanhoji fell upon the frigates with his Pals, dismantled the Portuguese flagship, and captured no less than forty Parangues. This was a great blow to Goa, for a large number of its citizens lost all the capital they had invested in this mercantile enterprise.² The next year the merchant fleet was better convoyed, but Kanhoji did not hesitate to attack two Pals that were lagging behind. The engagement lasted for two days and nights and Angria’s fleet had at last to retire with much loss.³