The military history of Bassein encompasses the period from 1526, when the Portuguese established their first factory at Bassein, until 1818, when Bassein lost its strategic importance following the defeat of the Marathas by the British.[1]
Bassein (renamed to Vasai after Indian independence), is a city north of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and forms part of Vasai Virar Municipality. It was historically known to the Portuguese as Baçaim. Medieval Bassein had a great strategic value for the Portuguese in maintaining their command of the Arabian Sea. It had utmost strategic value for the British East India Company for protecting the northern flank of Bombay. Its fort had a massive military presence. Bassein was a maritime hub with extensive shipping and ship building activities, and brought Christian culture to the Bombay area, next in importance only to Goa.[1]
- ^ a b Machado 2011, pp. 8–12, "The period covered is from 1518 to 1818, i.e., from the time the Portuguese started taking an active interest in Bassein area till the fall of the Marathas when Bassein lost all its strategic importance."