However, his most notable achievement was his campaign against the Portuguese in the Western Ghats, where he systematically weakened their strongholds and eventually captured the vital Vasai Fort after a series of strategic victories.

In 1730, Peshwa Bajirao I sent Chimaji Appa to Gujarat to force the Mughal Governor of Surat, Sarbuland Khan to cede Shahu I the right to collect Chauth.

Vasai (formerly known as Bassein) was the ultimate objective of the war, as this was the capital of the provincial government of Portugal's northern Indian state.

He made a vow that if it were successful to recapture the Belapur fort from the Portugueses, he would place a garland of beli leaves in a nearby Amruthaishwar temple.

Portuguese Captain Caetano de Souza Pereira signed the surrender as most of the top army officers were already dead.

To celebrate his victory and to fulfill a vow taken in front of Devi Vajreshwari, Chimaji Appa had a temple built for the goddess nearby.

Chimaji Appa took large bells from the churches in Vasai Fort as war trophies during action against the Portuguese between 1737 and 1739.

Chimaji Appa is a well known and highly respected figure within Vasai, Bhayandar, Virar, Thane and Navghar region.

Appa's contribution to Agri history is carried forward through generations through classic Powada across Maharashtra.