*THREAD*

Suvarnadurg is a fort that is located between Mumbai and Goa along the West Coast

The literal meaning of Suvanadurga is “Golden Fort” as it was considered as the pride or the “feather in the golden cap of Marathas“.

Kanhoji Angre was appointed in 1698 as Admiral of the Maratha Naval Fleet.

Kanhoji became noted for attacking & capturing European merchant ships & ransoming their crews

British, Dutch & Portuguese ships were often victims of these raids

He died in 1729 having never lost a battle in 31 years.

A remarkable feat considering his smaller ships were outmatched by European powers.

He drew bigger enemy ships into the shallows where they'd hit rocks before getting on board for close combat

Subsequent to Kanhoji’s death, his son Tulaji Angre took charge of Suvarnadurg fort & it became the seat of his power.

Tulaji became an enemy of the Peshwas

The Peshwas conspired with the British to defeat him, claiming he was a pirate.

However, he was the legitimate ruler

On 12 April 1755, Commodore William James captured Fort Suvarnadurg and formally handed it over to the Peshwas

William returned to England in 1759 a wealthy man. He married Anne Goddard & moved to Eltham where he bought Park Farm Place

He died at his daughter's wedding in 1783

His wife, Lady James had a free standing triangular folly built in memory of her husband.

Set on a hill across the valley from their house.

Named after the battle at Suvarnadurg Fort in India

#dailywalk #Eltham #SeverndroogCastle #India #History