Chimaji Appa achieved much, yet he is often missing from history books. This may be due to his famous brother, Bajirao. Also, many regional heroes fade away in the bigger colonial stories written later.
Introduction:
Chimaji Appa was born in 1707 into the influential Bhat family. He grew up during the Maratha expansion. Guided by his father Balaji Vishwanath and his brother Bajirao, he became a strong military leader.
While Bajirao I led swift cavalry raids into Mughal territory, Chimaji Appa had a different focus—to break the Portuguese stronghold along India’s western coast.
Chimaji Appa: The Unsung Hero of Maratha History
The Campaign Against the Portuguese
By the early 18th century, the Portuguese had a strong hold on the Konkan coast. Vasai (Bassein Fort) was their most important site. This fort, near modern Mumbai, was more than a military base; it showed European colonial power in the area.
In 1737, Chimaji Appa aimed to take Vasai back from the Portuguese. What followed was a brilliantly planned campaign in Maratha history. He cut off supplies, led coordinated attacks, and used inland tactics in coastal battles.
By May 1739, after months of siege and fierce fighting, Chimaji Appa captured Vasai Fort. This dealt a major blow to the Portuguese. His victory marked the beginning of the end for Portuguese power in western India.
A Devout and Visionary Leader
Chimaji Appa was more than a warrior; he was a spiritual man. After his victory, he used the war booty to build temples. One of these is the famous Vajreshwari Temple near Vasai. His actions showed that he believed military success should uplift society and preserve culture.
Why Is Chimaji Appa Forgotten?
Chimaji Appa achieved much, yet he seldom appears in mainstream history books. This may be due to his famous brother Bajirao overshadowing him. Also, like many regional heroes, his story got lost in later colonial narratives.
However, in Maharashtra, especially around Vasai, people still remember him fondly.
Legacy and Recognition
Conclusion
Chimaji Appa was more than Bajirao’s brother—he was a tactician, a patriot, and a liberator. His fight against the Portuguese was more than a military win. It struck against colonial ambition and reclaimed Indian sovereignty. As we explore Maratha history, we should highlight this unsung hero. He changed the fate of the western coast forever.
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