Answer: The Portuguese controlled Goa, Daman, Diu, Vasai, Chaul and other places on the west coast, and came into conflict with the Marathas.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:
- He built a strong navy and sea forts (Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg) to check the Portuguese and other foreigners at sea.
- The Portuguese helped his enemies, such as the Siddi and the Desais near Goa, and carried out forcible conversions; in 1667 he attacked Bardesh and punished those responsible.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj:
- The Portuguese helped the Mughals and the Siddi against the Marathas and allowed Mughal ships to pass.
- Sambhaji Maharaj attacked Chaul and invaded Goa in 1683, capturing parts of Bardesh and Salsette and almost reaching Goa city; the Portuguese were saved only because the Mughal army arrived.
Peshwa period — Chimaji Appa's Vasai campaign:
- The Portuguese oppressed the people in the north Konkan and the Vasai region and forcibly converted them.
- Chimaji Appa, brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, led a campaign (1737–39) and captured Thane, Dharavi, Arnala and finally the strong fort of Vasai (May 1739) after a long siege.
Result: Portuguese power on the north Konkan coast was ended and they were confined to Goa, Daman and Diu.
