Explain the following statement with reasons: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to attack the region of Bardesh.

Answer: Because the Portuguese were forcibly converting the local people and were harassing his subjects.

• The Portuguese of Goa followed a policy of religious intolerance; they destroyed temples and forcibly converted Hindus to Christianity in their territory.
• They had given shelter and help to the Desais of the region, who opposed Shivaji Maharaj, and created trouble for his territory near Goa.
• To stop the forcible conversions and to teach the Portuguese a lesson, Shivaji Maharaj attacked Bardesh (north of Goa) in 1667. He punished the priests responsible for conversions, and the Portuguese were forced to make peace.