The siege of Ponda was a siege of Ponda, Goa, during the Imperial Maratha Conquests.
| Siege of Ponda | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Imperial Maratha Conquests | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Maratha Empire |
Bijapur Sultanate Portuguese Empire | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Shivaji |
Bahlol Khan Ranmast Khan Muhammad Khan | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
|
2,000 Cavalry 7,000 Infantry | Unknown | ||||||||
In his attack on the west coast of India, the forces of the Maratha king Shivaji encircled the fortress of Ponda, held by Bijapuri troops. The fortress was stormed by Shivaji's troops in an all out open attack called Sultandhawa. Shivaji was himself involved in the siege. He got constructed 500 ladders for the sultandhawa. Legend also mentions that Shivaji had made 500 golden bracelets for the first climbers. Bijapuri commander Bahlol Khan ( Abdul Karim ) started with a relief force but could advance no further than Miraj. Marathas having blocked the ghat route downwards by felling trees. The fortress' commander, Muhammad Khan, was one of the few to escape the massacre of the garrison.[1]
The capture of Ponda resulted in the Maratha Empire capturing most of the western part of the Carnatic region. Shivaji also appointed an agent, Umaji Pundit in the court of Rani Chellama of Keladi (Bednur) , on her own request. She was harassed by her commander Timanna.[1]
Siege edit
In 1675, on April 18th, Shivaji commenced the siege of Ponda fort, which was under the command of Mohamed Khan. Concerned about potential Portuguese interference, Shivaji had secured a pledge of neutrality from them to prevent a repeat of their aid to the fort's defenders during a previous siege in 1666. However, Shivaji's attempt to maintain a Portuguese envoy within the fortress was foiled when his men intercepted and arrested the envoy, along with supplies destined for Ponda.[1][2]
Approximately 2,000 horsemen and 7,000 infantrymen from Shivaji's forces were involved in the siege. Meanwhile, on April 29th, 1675, Shivaji's troops raided the village of Chandar, killing a servant of the Catholic Church, and later targeted Cuncolim in Salgette, where they looted the inhabitants and seized Church ornaments. These actions were led by Bijapur Sardar Ranamast Khan.[1][2] In April 1675, Shivaji's forces raided Portuguese territory, plundering the village of Chandar and the village of Cuncolim, where they killed a church servant and looted church ornaments. The Portuguese State Council convened and decided to investigate whether Shivaji's incursion was intentional or accidental, while also apprehending his envoy.Meanwhile, Shivaji besieged Phonda Castle, where he had reportedly made significant preparations for the siege, including crafting ladders and shackles of gold. Despite facing resistance from Bahlul Khan's forces, Shivaji successfully captured Phonda Castle and detained its commander, Muhammad Khan.[2][3]
Aftermath edit
Additionally, Shivaji's forces laid siege to Shiveshwar Castle and razed Karwar under the command of one of his generals. By May 16th, 1675, Ponda fort fell to Shivaji's forces, resulting in the acquisition of territories such as Antruj, Ashtaghar, Hemadbarse, Bali, Chandravadi, and Kakode, consolidating his authority over the Bijapur Konkan region. The fortress of Ponda was renovated, with the installation of an idol of Ganapati at its entrance. The last Bijapur fortress-keeper, Muhamad Khan, was replaced by Trimbak Pandit under Shivaji's administration.[1][2]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d e Bahu Virupaksha (2021-02-14). Portuguese Mahratta Relations. p. 57.
- ^ a b c d Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale (2011). Shivaji His Life and Times. pp. 920–926.
- ^ Jaques, Tony (2007). Dictionary of Battles and Sieges: A Guide to 8500 Battles from Antiquity Through the Twenty-first Century. Miegunyiah Press. p. 808. ISBN 978-0-522-85336-0.