Ratnagiri Coast

The Ratnagiri coast connected Konkan anchorages with the Arabian Sea. Offshore forts and their mainland outworks guarded access to harbours, giving coastal rulers bases from which to regulate or attack shipping. At Harnai, Suvarnadurg occupied a low island opposite several smaller shore forts. It became a station of Kanhoji Angre's fleet, and Shahu formally recognised his possession of it in 1713.

Under Tulaji Angre the fort remained an important centre of maritime power. Tulaji's refusal to accept the Peshwa's authority helped bring about an alliance between the Peshwa and the English East India Company. In 1755 their forces captured Suvarnadurg and transferred it to the Maratha government. The campaign then moved against Vijaydurg. In February 1756 British ships attacked its sea-facing defences while troops operated ashore; the fort fell and much of Angre's fleet burned. These operations transformed the balance of power along Ratnagiri's waters, where control of ships, island forts and shore approaches had become inseparable.