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'''Kanhoji Angre's War in Konkan'''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kulkarni |first=Uday S. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books/about/The_Era_of_Baji_Rao.html?id=C01PswEACAAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y |title=The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan |date=2017 |publisher=Mula Mutha Publishers |isbn=978-81-921080-3-2 |pages=87 |language=en}}</ref> was a series of naval wars that took place in the War for the [[Konkan|Western Coast of India]] during the early 18th century led by the Maratha admiral [[Kanhoji Angre]] against European powers and local rivals along India's western shoreline. Angre defended Maratha interests and upset colonial trade while creating fortified coastal strongholds and engaging in clandestine operations to thwart multiple otherwise naval campaigns. Angre's experience with naval warfare established [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] dominance at sea and forged his legacy in Indian maritime history. | '''Kanhoji Angre's War in Konkan'''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kulkarni |first=Uday S. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books/about/The_Era_of_Baji_Rao.html?id=C01PswEACAAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y |title=The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan |date=2017 |publisher=Mula Mutha Publishers |isbn=978-81-921080-3-2 |pages=87 |language=en}}</ref> was a series of naval wars that took place in the War for the [[Konkan|Western Coast of India]] during the early 18th century led by the Maratha admiral [[Kanhoji Angre]] against European powers and local rivals along India's western shoreline. Angre defended Maratha interests and upset colonial trade while creating fortified coastal strongholds and engaging in clandestine operations to thwart multiple otherwise naval campaigns. Angre's experience with naval warfare established [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] dominance at sea and forged his legacy in Indian maritime history. | ||
==Background== | |||
Under [[Shivaji|Chhatrapati Shivaji]], the [[Marathas]] posed a serious challenge to Portuguese control in western India. In his final decade, Shivaji captured [[Kalyan]] and began building a navy to counter Portuguese dominance at sea. The Portuguese policy of requiring maritime passes led the Marathas to issue their own.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kulkarni |first=Uday S. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books/about/The_Era_of_Baji_Rao.html?id=C01PswEACAAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y |title=The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan |date=2017 |publisher=Mula Mutha Publishers |isbn=978-81-921080-3-2 |pages=88–90 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In 1679, [[Shivaji]] took Khanderi Island near Mumbai, later a key Angre base. The Siddis seized nearby Underi the next year, holding it until the [[Marathas]] captured it in 1759. The following decades saw frequent clashes among the [[Marathas]], Portuguese, Siddis, Mughals, Dutch and Arabs from Muscat. The [[Marathas]] occasionally allied with Arab seafarers against the Portuguese. These conflicts, driven by trade and religious tensions, impacted the [[Konkan]] coast.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kulkarni |first=Uday S. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books/about/The_Era_of_Baji_Rao.html?id=C01PswEACAAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y |title=The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan |date=2017 |publisher=Mula Mutha Publishers |isbn=978-81-921080-3-2 |pages=88–90 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==War== | ==War== | ||
===English and Portuguese=== | ===English and Portuguese=== | ||
In the early 18th-century [[Mumbai]], the English prioritized trade and secured a costly firman from the [[Mughals]], hoping for peace. However, regional conflicts made neutrality difficult. The [[Marathas]] were both allies and threats, the Mughals still dangerous, and the Portuguese and Siddis nearby posed risks. Mumbai's defenses were weak, prompting the English to seek guidance from [[London]], where Company officials advised quiet diplomacy and bribery. | In the early 18th-century [[Mumbai]], the English prioritized trade and secured a costly firman from the [[Mughals]], hoping for peace. However, regional conflicts made neutrality difficult. The [[Marathas]] were both allies and threats, the Mughals still dangerous, and the Portuguese and Siddis nearby posed risks. Mumbai's defenses were weak, prompting the English to seek guidance from [[London]], where Company officials advised quiet diplomacy and bribery.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kulkarni |first=Uday S. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books/about/The_Era_of_Baji_Rao.html?id=C01PswEACAAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y |title=The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan |date=2017 |publisher=Mula Mutha Publishers |isbn=978-81-921080-3-2 |pages=87–91 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
In 1713, Maratha admiral [[Kanhoji Angre]], recognized by Shahu and in control of Khanderi Island, demanded that English ships carry his dastak (pass). Though a treaty was signed, disputes continued as the English tried to bypass his authority by hiring local vessels, leading to renewed tensions. | In 1713, Maratha admiral [[Kanhoji Angre]], recognized by Shahu and in control of Khanderi Island, demanded that English ships carry his dastak (pass). Though a treaty was signed, disputes continued as the English tried to bypass his authority by hiring local vessels, leading to renewed tensions.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kulkarni |first=Uday S. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books/about/The_Era_of_Baji_Rao.html?id=C01PswEACAAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y |title=The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan |date=2017 |publisher=Mula Mutha Publishers |isbn=978-81-921080-3-2 |pages=87–91 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
In 1715, Charles Boone, governor of [[Bombay]], was working to establish defensive measures and illuminating merchant vessels with the aim of combating [[Kanhoji Angre]] a significant Maratha naval commander. The [[Portuguese]] had acquiesced assistance, but ultimately withdrew it. Boone performed an unsuccessful attack against Angre's fort of Khanderi in 1718. Boone admonished Kanhoji for his behaviors to the English while professing loyalty to the Maratha king [[Shahu I]], which works to confirm the disorderly arrangement of [[Maratha]] political allegiances and the difficulties associated with administering a cohesive political program. The English were anxious about the prospect of Angre and Peshwa [[Balaji Vishwanath]] collaborating on a united attack against them, so they sent a representative to clarify Balaji's position with regard to Angre. Balaji was campaigning in the North and was not able to respond to the inquiry. | In 1715, Charles Boone, governor of [[Bombay]], was working to establish defensive measures and illuminating merchant vessels with the aim of combating [[Kanhoji Angre]] a significant Maratha naval commander. The [[Portuguese]] had acquiesced assistance, but ultimately withdrew it. Boone performed an unsuccessful attack against Angre's fort of Khanderi in 1718. Boone admonished Kanhoji for his behaviors to the English while professing loyalty to the Maratha king [[Shahu I]], which works to confirm the disorderly arrangement of [[Maratha]] political allegiances and the difficulties associated with administering a cohesive political program. The English were anxious about the prospect of Angre and Peshwa [[Balaji Vishwanath]] collaborating on a united attack against them, so they sent a representative to clarify Balaji's position with regard to Angre. Balaji was campaigning in the North and was not able to respond to the inquiry. | ||
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<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:Mahratta pirates attacking the sloop 'Aurora', of the Bombay Marine, 1812; beginning of the action.jpg|"''Mahratta [[Grab (ship)|Grabs]] and [[Gallivat (boat)|Gallivats]] attacking the sloop [[HCS Aurora (1809)|Aurora]] of the Bombay Marine.''" by [[Thomas Buttersworth]] c.1812</gallery> | File:Mahratta pirates attacking the sloop 'Aurora', of the Bombay Marine, 1812; beginning of the action.jpg|"''Mahratta [[Grab (ship)|Grabs]] and [[Gallivat (boat)|Gallivats]] attacking the sloop [[HCS Aurora (1809)|Aurora]] of the Bombay Marine.''" by [[Thomas Buttersworth]] c.1812</gallery> | ||
===Dutch and Netherlands=== | ===Dutch and Netherlands=== | ||
A Dutch attack on Vijaydurg was repulsed by Kanhoji in 1724. Many of the Dutch ships in the [[Konkan]] coast were captured by [[Kanhoji Angre]] . | A Dutch attack on Vijaydurg was repulsed by Kanhoji in 1724. Many of the Dutch ships in the [[Konkan]] coast were captured by [[Kanhoji Angre]] . | ||
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==Reference== | ==Reference== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Battles involving the Maratha Empire]] | |||
Latest revision as of 00:15, 9 July 2025
Kanhoji Angre's War in Konkan[7] was a series of naval wars that took place in the War for the Western Coast of India during the early 18th century led by the Maratha admiral Kanhoji Angre against European powers and local rivals along India's western shoreline. Angre defended Maratha interests and upset colonial trade while creating fortified coastal strongholds and engaging in clandestine operations to thwart multiple otherwise naval campaigns. Angre's experience with naval warfare established Maratha dominance at sea and forged his legacy in Indian maritime history.
| Kanhoji Angre's War in Konkan | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) A diorama showing Maratha naval tactics, on display at the National Museum, New Delhi | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
.svg){kind=small} British Empire Kingdom of France[1] Dutch Republic Portuguese Empire Netherlands[2] Mughal Empire[3] Siddis of Janjira | |||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
 Kanhoji Angre Shahu I Baji Rao I |
 King George I Charles Boone John V of Portugal Xavier de Meneses  Gaspar Aranho de Lencastri  Farrukhsiyar Yakut Khan Surur Yakut Khan II | ||||||||
BackgroundEdit
Under Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Marathas posed a serious challenge to Portuguese control in western India. In his final decade, Shivaji captured Kalyan and began building a navy to counter Portuguese dominance at sea. The Portuguese policy of requiring maritime passes led the Marathas to issue their own.[8]
In 1679, Shivaji took Khanderi Island near Mumbai, later a key Angre base. The Siddis seized nearby Underi the next year, holding it until the Marathas captured it in 1759. The following decades saw frequent clashes among the Marathas, Portuguese, Siddis, Mughals, Dutch and Arabs from Muscat. The Marathas occasionally allied with Arab seafarers against the Portuguese. These conflicts, driven by trade and religious tensions, impacted the Konkan coast.[9]
WarEdit
English and PortugueseEdit
In the early 18th-century Mumbai, the English prioritized trade and secured a costly firman from the Mughals, hoping for peace. However, regional conflicts made neutrality difficult. The Marathas were both allies and threats, the Mughals still dangerous, and the Portuguese and Siddis nearby posed risks. Mumbai's defenses were weak, prompting the English to seek guidance from London, where Company officials advised quiet diplomacy and bribery.[10]
In 1713, Maratha admiral Kanhoji Angre, recognized by Shahu and in control of Khanderi Island, demanded that English ships carry his dastak (pass). Though a treaty was signed, disputes continued as the English tried to bypass his authority by hiring local vessels, leading to renewed tensions.[11]
In 1715, Charles Boone, governor of Bombay, was working to establish defensive measures and illuminating merchant vessels with the aim of combating Kanhoji Angre a significant Maratha naval commander. The Portuguese had acquiesced assistance, but ultimately withdrew it. Boone performed an unsuccessful attack against Angre's fort of Khanderi in 1718. Boone admonished Kanhoji for his behaviors to the English while professing loyalty to the Maratha king Shahu I, which works to confirm the disorderly arrangement of Maratha political allegiances and the difficulties associated with administering a cohesive political program. The English were anxious about the prospect of Angre and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath collaborating on a united attack against them, so they sent a representative to clarify Balaji's position with regard to Angre. Balaji was campaigning in the North and was not able to respond to the inquiry.
In 1720, under Governor Boone, the English attempted to capture Vijaydurg but did not succeed against Kanhoji Angre. With a new alliance with the Portuguese in 1721, assisted by a squadron of the Royal Navy, the expulsion effort failed when Peshwa Baji Rao I moved troops to assist Angre. The Portuguese later signed a separate peace with the Marathas, where Baji Rao I denied any reparations that the English sought, claiming that the treaty signed previously was enough. Although the English were wary of making Shahu an enemy and supported the Siddi they did not have the ability to break Kanhoji Angre's hold on the seas. Continued Maratha raiding disrupted trade around Surat, and lastly, while there were prison exchanges back in 1725, the conflict began in 1718 and continued well into 1756, and would eventually be outshined by larger efforts to deal with the Nizam of Hyderabad. Between this in 1721 Angrian troops attacked ex governer mention in letter as follows:
Kanhoji has now become so inflated that he openly brags about easily capturing the Portuguese-owned Cheul and Karanja. But he has eyes on Goa. Thirty years ago he was a poor and humble nonentity. But within ten years, by his many manoeuvres, he has become the owner of Suvarnadurg and 22 forts are under his control.An ex-Governor of the Portuguese who was sailing from Cheul to Bassein in a pala was attacked by Kanhoji on the seas, captured and ignominiously killed. Twenty-six Portuguese made captive by him were taken to Kolaba and beheaded. The name of the said Portuguese Governor was Gaspar Aranho de Lencastri.[12]
— Viecory of Portuguese Goa
"Mahratta Grabs and Gallivats attacking the sloop Aurora of the Bombay Marine." by Thomas Buttersworth c.1812
Dutch and NetherlandsEdit
A Dutch attack on Vijaydurg was repulsed by Kanhoji in 1724. Many of the Dutch ships in the Konkan coast were captured by Kanhoji Angre .
we have a report of Cannajee Angria's trapping a Dutch ship of 30 guns who put in near their port for wood and water, which their boats went. The villain took his opportunity of seizing them and sending his people in galvets on board, who being baled by the ship, answered that they had provision for them, and on such a pretense surprised and mastered her.[13]
Kanhoji Angre also seized two Netherlands merchantmen, which lowered the prestige of the Dutch.
Siddis of JanjiraEdit
Under Sambhaji, the Siddis became increasingly bold which caused fear throughout parts of Maharashtra. Raja Ram, in an attempt to reactivate their punitive expeditions, enacted a strict policy to protect Maratha territory. Kanhoji Angre (who was head of the Maratha navy) led a persistent and vigorous campaign to suppress Siddi influence. Eventually, Kanhoji Angre and Balaji Vishwanath markedly reduced the power of the Siddis in Janjira.
ReferenceEdit
- ↑ Kurup, K. K. N. (1997). India's Naval Traditions: The Role of Kunhali Marakkars. Northern Book Centre. p. 75. ISBN 978-81-7211-083-3.
Kanhoji Angre's naval supremacy in the coastal waters was at its peak. He captured many English, Dutch and French ships.
- ↑ Kurup, K. K. N. (1997). India's Naval Traditions: The Role of Kunhali Marakkars. Northern Book Centre. p. 75. ISBN 978-81-7211-083-3.
Angre had occasion to seize two Netherlands merchantmen, which lowered the prestige of the Dutch in the East.
- ↑ Ali, Shanti Sadiq (1996). The African Dispersal in the Deccan: From Medieval to Modern Times. Orient Blackswan. p. 174. ISBN 978-81-250-0485-1.
On 15 May 1715, the treaty that the Siddi had concluded with Angria, the Pirate, who oppresses the subjects of the Mughal King by his repeated robberies and totally ruins the port of Surat
- ↑ Kurup, K. K. N. (1997). India's Naval Traditions: The Role of Kunhali Marakkars. Northern Book Centre. p. 75. ISBN 978-81-7211-083-3.
By 1727, Kanhoji Angre's naval supremacy in the coastal waters was at its peak. He captured many English, Dutch and French ships. It is stated that Kanhoji's piracy caused the East India Company an annual expenditure of £ 50,000 in protecting their trade against it. The power and success of the naval power of Kanhoji Angre, depended on different factors.
- ↑ Chander, Prakash (2003). India: Past and Present. APH Publishing. p. 236. ISBN 978-81-7648-455-8.
Kanhoji Angre, whose navy frequently captured British, Dutch and Portugese merchant ships. Angre remained undefeated by the combined European naval task force, right up to his death in 1729.
- ↑ SRIDHARAN, REAR ADMIRAL K. (2017-05-31). A Maritime History of India. Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. ISBN 978-81-230-2433-2.
K. M. Panikktar comments,"After this victory against the combined forces, Kanhoji's power on the Konkan coast was unchallenged."
- ↑ Kulkarni, Uday S. (2017). The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan. Mula Mutha Publishers. p. 87. ISBN 978-81-921080-3-2.
- ↑ Kulkarni, Uday S. (2017). The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan. Mula Mutha Publishers. pp. 88–90. ISBN 978-81-921080-3-2.
- ↑ Kulkarni, Uday S. (2017). The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan. Mula Mutha Publishers. pp. 88–90. ISBN 978-81-921080-3-2.
- ↑ Kulkarni, Uday S. (2017). The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan. Mula Mutha Publishers. pp. 87–91. ISBN 978-81-921080-3-2.
- ↑ Kulkarni, Uday S. (2017). The Era of Baji Rao: An Account of the Empire of the Deccan. Mula Mutha Publishers. pp. 87–91. ISBN 978-81-921080-3-2.
- ↑ Bahu Virupaksha (2021-02-14). Portuguese Mahratta Relations. pp. 123–125.
- ↑ Kadam, Umesh Ashok (2023-03-31). Deccan in Transition, 1600 to 1800: European Dominance and Maratha Sovereignty. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-85303-2.