About the Book : Awantwadi is an integral part of the Konkan region which is in the mid-western coast of India. Geographically adjacent to Goa. it is a fertile region with a variety of crops and abundant flora and fauna. Sawantwadi had a chequered history from the time of its inclusion in the Chalukya dominions during the reign of Pulakesin ll's son Chandraditya. Khem Sawant's rule from 1701 to 1709 was all too brief but its importance lies in the fact that it was during this period that the foundation of the state were laid on a sound footing. Dr. Mhamai makes a fascinating narrative of Khem Sawant's role in the history of this state. Dr. Mhamai's is the first comprehensive and authentic account of the activites of the Sawants of Wadi in the context of coastal politics in the 18th and 19th centuries. The only earlier publication in this area was Vital Sitaram Pingulkar's History of Sawanwadi in 1911. The author has made maximum use of archival material and has greatly enhanced the value of his monograph He has appended Portuguese and Marathi documents in support of his study. A summary of Marathi documents, an exhaustive glossary of Marathi words, an excellent bibliography and an index that will satisfy the most discerning of critics, make this a welcome addition to the small but growing literature on Indo-Portuguese history. About Author : Shanker Hari Kamat Mhamai was born in Verem, Goa. After his initial studies in Marathi and Portuguese, he graduates from the University of Bombay and in 1980 obtained his doctorate in history. He joined the Department of Archives (Goa) in 1973 and has been Archivist (Management) for the past several years. In 1980 he also offciated as the Director of Archives ( Goa). He has to his credit several reserch papers in Marathi, English and Portuguese, and has assisted the former Director of Goa Archives, Dr. V.T. Gune in editing Bassein Campaign. He was awarded a reserch grant by the Indian Council of Historical Research in 1980.