VIJAYDURG
Vijaydurg is one of the most important of the western coastal fortifications located 235 km south of the city of Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra. The water fort called Vijayadurg, also known as Gheria. Vaghotan (formerly Kundalika) is situated near the Arabian Sea at the southern end of the mouth of the river. It is famous as the scene of many episodes of Maratha history.
Fortifications also existed during the Shilhar dynasty (late 12th to early 13th century), but the present structure of Vijayadurg dates back to the 16th century Bijapur rulers. It was renovated by Shivaji in 1654 AD. Vijaydurg was the most fortified fort on the west coast with 300 cannons on three rows of fortifications, a strong wall and 27 bastions.
HISTORY
The history of Vijayadurga (1742 -1756 AD) is associated with deep hatred between the strong naval Angre family brothers Tulaji and Manaji, both commanders of the Maratha fleet. Tulaji Angre was a skilled sea warrior and a thorn in the route of the British East India Company. He continuously prevented the British from establishing dominance on the west coast. The British took advantage of the situation by supporting Manaji at the behest of Peshwa Balaji Bajirao, as per the prevailing trick of the time.
A joint naval force led by Edmiral Watson marched south, whose main objective was to eliminate the Maratha power and establish the power of the British on the western coast of India. Vijayadurg was the base of Maratha fleet which controlled a port. On 11 February 1756, the combined fleet of Manaji and East India Company defeated Tulaji Angre in the ground opposite Vijaydurg. During this battle, a ship called 'Restoration' caught fire. This fire also went to the nearby Maratha ships, which weakened the power of Tulaji and ultimately led to his defeat. Maritime dominance of the west coast of India changed in a single day.
REASON TO LOSE
Marathe never recovered from this accident. Partly the reason for the defeat of Tulaji was that their strategy of defeating the forces of Admiral Watson and Manaji against the walls of Vijaydurg at that time considered impregnable was thwarted.
