[2] The ruling family of the state, the Angre, were skilled seafarers who controlled the western coast of India from the late 17th century- to the first half of the 18th century, until the Maratha Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao destroyed the major portion of their navy in the Battle of Vijaydurg.

Shahu I negotiated with the latter for the release of Bahiroji Pingale and gave 26 Forts to Kanhoji, thus the Colaba State came into existence.

All of them were skilled seamen, however, the division of the Angre coastal territory into north and south under Manaji (at Kolaba) and Sambhaji (at Vijaydurg) respectively, greatly reduced the family's power.

Tulaji Angre, according to many scholars, even surpassed the achievements of Kanhoji in capturing vessels and exercising influence on almost the whole west coast of India.

In the same year, the Siddis of Janjira attacked the kingdom, destroyed many temples and burnt many villages, however Raghuji drove them out with the Peshwa's aid.

Subsequently, he attacked the Underi fort, took it after a severe struggle on 28 January 1759 and presented it to the Peshwa as a gift for his help against the Siddis of Janjira.

James Forbes, a sea captain of the East India Company, visited Raghuji Angre in 1770 and described that the country was fertile and prosperous, and he was treated with lavish hospitality.

[7][14] Anandibai Bhonsle, the wife of the late king, hatched a plot to kill Jai Singh Angre as she envied his influence.

Then Manaji Angre II proclaimed himself chief and his claim was recognized by the Peshwa, who received the island of Khanderi and twenty villages in return for his support.

Major Hall was sent to Raigad with 200 Europeans and 200 sepoys, after a stubborn siege of eleven days, the fort was surrendered by the Marathas.

[16][17] On reaching manhood, Raghuji was unable to free himself from the influence of karbhari Biwalkar, who had won the support of all officers and ruined the finances by extravagant expenditure.

Mr. Courtenay was sent to Kolaba to prevent a succession crisis of any sort, and reported on 29 January 1839 to the government that Yashodabai had given birth to a son.

However, Kanhoji II died shortly after on 21 March 1839 and with his death the legitimate line of the Angre family became extinct.