Moray (More)Gharanyacha itihaas : (The history of Morey clan)--ShivM (talk) 08:05, 1 November 2008 (UTC)

This article is to focus mainly on the history of More / Morey / Moray clan as very little easily accessible information is available on the historical role of the Moray's.As Javali was the earliest conquest of Shivaji,the prominence of Morey's & affairs of the war were soon forgotten in public mind amidst the numerous victories & wars of Shivaji Maharaj.The information is mainly got from the locals of the land in subject.The main person from whom maximum of the data was gathered is Late Shri Annasaheb Rajeshrike of Bhor & his daughter late Chandrakala Moray.Also references have been taken from books mentioned where required.

We shall begin with the first easily recognisable reference to the Moray's in Maratha history that is Shri Chandrarao More(Moray) of Jawli.

It is notable to mention that as back as 500 AD the Konkan region was under the rule of kings who went by the name Moria.They had trade links with the north-west part of the country,present day Pakistan by road as well as by sea routes.So we can deduce that they might have belonged to the Mauryan dynasty which is always debatable.Also that they might have been a indigeniuos group who rose into prominence & the name sounding familiar wiuth the Mauryas was a coincidence.Whatever the origins,which is not the main subject here,we are sure that there existed a clan of Moria rulers around 500AD & they exerted their power in konkan & adjoining areas.

The Morey's had for the six generations preceding Chandrarao Morey had conquered petty chieftains around the land & amassed great wealth & kept a large infantry of about 15000 well trained soldiers mainly consisting of the sturdy mavlas.

The Morey of Jawali were of straight lineal descent from the Moria of konkan.Moray's had received the grant of state of Javali from the Sultan of Bijapur as per what is generally believed.

In fact as mentioned earlier the Morey's ruled their land since a few generations & fought off the invading Arab & Northern Islamists invaders.So to be true & loyal to history,the Morey's upheld the flag of Hinduism while protecting their territory & vassal kings.

Here it would be right to stress the fact that Morey's never bent in to anybody,specially to Islam.As the (Shiv Charitra) & historian (Jadunath Sarkar) make clear that Morey wanted to maintain their land & kingdom,which is but natural for any ruler.

Therefore,as time progressed Bijapur kingdom was formed, the Bijapur Sultanate fearing & to be on good terms with the Moray's , left the More's untroubled & untouched.So the Moray's as always ruled the Javli(Capital) state as kings.For information "Chandrarao" was the title held by the king of Javali & the real name of Chandrarao Morey(Shivaji's adversary) was Yeasji Surya Chandrarao Morey (Shiv Charitra).The Morey kingdom covered all of the Satara & konkan region, from the present Goregaon in Raigad upto the Chiplun district.Not to forget many chieftains around the kingdom owing allegiance & paying tributes to Chandrarao.

As the Moray had been ruling the Javli region for quite a few generations without much of a challenge to their power, Chandrrao had become lethargic in keeping a firm grip on his administrative system.Years of wealthy & lavish life had made him a pleasure seeking person.

............TO BE CONTD