There are no ifs and buts in history so it’s difficult to comment. Pednem (Pernem), Bicholiim, Sankhli-Sattari were under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji since 1664. He had conquered these territories from Adil Shah of Bijapur. In 1667, Chhatrapati Shivaji’s forces attacked Bardez. In 1668, he had the Saptakoteshwar Temple of Narve renovated in Bicholiim. Portuguese continued to rule over Tiswadi, Bardez and Salcette. In 1665, Chhatrapati Shivaji’s forces took over Ponda from Adil Shah. In 1679, Chhatrapati Shivaji ordered the construction of the Betul Fort by ordering his Balli sardar of Quepem taluka at the mouth of the Sal River.
—Prajal Sakhardande,
Historian
There are a couple of things to remember. Goa has its distinct identity. If we were a part of Shivaji’s kingdom or his empire, there were higher chances of Goa merging with Maharashtra. That was also a period when the Portuguese were at the inquisition stage in Goa. If Shivaji had to conquered, the number of conversions (to Christianity) would have stopped, although the issue is contentious in today’s scenario. Moreover, at a time when we are debating over Konkani and Marathi, the latter would have been our language. Chhatrapati Shivaji’s tenure did not focus on trade and commerce compared to other dynasties so in any case, Portuguese would have conquered Goa thereafter. The reason being, Goa is situated at the coast and for Portuguese entering Goa via waterways was easier. However, there is no value for ifs and buts in History.
— Aditya Watve,
Professor
If Shivaji had to conquer Goa, it would have been a Swaraj for Goa, a different scenario. When Shivaji came to Goa, only old conquests were there and not entire Goa was under the Portuguese rulers. The inquisition was at the early stage and in full swing, so if Shivaji had to conquer Goa, he would have certainly stalled this move by the Portuguese. On the possibility of merger of Goa with Maharashtra, it is difficult to comment. Actually we would have automatically been with Maharashtra. The current boundaries of Goa are Portuguese’ conquests and people never had positive to say about the rule. Hardly few did.
—Amey Joshi, Professor
