Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Navy a versatile and multifaceted Fighting Force: Part 1

“The Maratha Navy, led by Shivaji Maharaj, disrupted the traditional balance of power at sea, forcing European powers to acknowledge their presence and adapt their strategies accordingly.

BRIG Hemant Mahajan

“Shivaji Maharaj’s naval prowess was instrumental in establishing Maratha dominance in the Arabian Sea. His innovative tactics and use of maritime guerrilla warfare left a lasting impact on naval warfare in India”

Shivaji Maharaj’s Coastal and Maritime Strategy: Ganimi Kawa Unleashed at Sea  Shivaji Maharaj, the visionary leader and founder of the Maratha Empire, possessed a remarkable understanding of the strategic importance of maritime power. His maritime strategy, known as “Ganimi Kawa,” was a testament to his military brilliance and laid the foundation for the Maratha Navy’s resounding success at sea. Through a combination of strategic planning, naval innovation, and audacious warfare, Shivaji Maharaj revolutionized naval warfare in the Indian subcontinent. 

   Recognizing the importance of naval power, Shivaji Maharaj actively developed and expanded his naval forces to protect his territories and challenge the dominant naval powers of the time, the Portuguese, and Siddis. The Maratha Navy served as the branch of the armed forces of the Maratha Swarajya, which held dominion over parts of the Indian subcontinent from the mid-17th century to the mid-18th century. The visionary leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was evident in his creation of a formidable navy and the establishment of naval bases. During this period, the Muslim rulers in the region had largely neglected naval forces, focusing instead on land battles. However, with the arrival of the Portuguese and their increasing control over trade along the western coast of India, Shivaji Maharaj recognized the importance of a strong navy. In 1654, the construction of the first Maratha naval vessel commenced near Kalyan. Shivaji Maharaj soon realised that he could not get much help from the Europeans gun casters, ammunition experts. Therefore he had to depend on his own method of War fighting ,Ganimi Kawa at sea.His naval force with fast small ships ,developed its own tactics of harassing the immensely better gunned Ocean faring European ships. The following aspects will covered in this article:- 1. Geography Coastal Area2. Enemy At Sea Portuguese, British, Siddi(Janjira}supported By Mughals3. The Naval policy4. Constructing Multiple Naval Bases, Warships Along The Coast5. Training Imparted To Soldiers To Fight The European, Siddhi Navies  Geography Of Coastal Area  The Konkan is a stretch of land by the western coast of India, running from Daman at the mouth of Daman Ganga River in the north to Anjediva and Karwar in the south; with the Arabian Sea to the west and the Deccan plateau in the east. The hinterland east of the coast has numerous river valleys and riverine islands among the hilly slopes leading up into the tablelands of the Deccan. It is bounded by the Western Ghats mountain range (also known as Sahyadri) in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west. The coastal region of Western India bordering the Arabian Sea has a notable Maritime history and traditions. This region had trade relations with West Asia ,Middle East for many years. For many centuries the sea was considered as an open area for trade and cultural intercourse. This changed with the arrival of European in the search to get a share of lucrative trade in goods, spices and high quality cotton goods in great demand in Europe. In the shallow coastal waters big ships were of no use.  Enemy At Sea Portuguese, British, Siddi(Janjira}supported By Mughals  During Shivaji Maharaj’s time, he faced several enemies along the coast and at sea. Some of the prominent adversaries, along with their strengths, bases, ships and weapons, and tactics are as under:  Portuguese:  The Portuguese had a strong naval presence along the western coast of India, boasting well-equipped fleets and experienced sailors. They had a significant advantage in terms of naval firepower and technology. They had established bases and trading posts at strategic locations, including Goa, Bombay (Mumbai), Vasai , Diu, Daman, Goa and Mangalore. The e fleet consisted of large warships known as galleons, armed with cannons. They also utilized smaller vessels such as caravels and frigates. Their weaponry included cannons, muskets, and swords. They relied on their superior naval firepower and discipline. They often engaged in direct confrontations, utilizing their cannons to bombard enemy ships and coastal fortifications. They also employed boarding tactics to seize control of enemy vessels.  Siddis (Abyssinians):  In addition to the European powers there was Siddi from Janjira who was active. Janjira fort was his strong point. Siddhi by himself was not as powerful but since he accepted the Adil Shah and Mughal as his king he become more powerful. The Siddi navy had 20 Galbat and four Gurba, used to dominate the Konkan coast. The Siddis were formidable opponents with a well-established naval force. They possessed skilled sailors and warriors. The Siddis had their bases in Janjira, Murud, and other coastal areas along the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The Siddis used a variety of vessels, including large warships called dhangadis and smaller ships like gallivats. They were known for their archery skills and the use of traditional weapons such as swords, spears, and muskets. The Siddis employed hit-and-run tactics, often launching surprise attacks on enemy ships and coastal areas. They used their agility and knowledge of local waters to outmaneuver larger enemy fleets. They also utilized guerrilla warfare tactics, taking advantage of the difficult coastal geography to launch ambushes.  British East India Company:  The British East India Company had a growing naval force and access to advanced technology and resources. They possessed a considerable maritime empire. Bases: The British had bases in Bombay (Mumbai), Surat, and other coastal areas. Ships and Weapons: The British fleet comprised various types of vessels, including warships, frigates, and sloops. They had cannons, muskets, and other firearms as their primary weapons. The British relied on their superior firepower and naval strategies. They employed blockade tactics to disrupt enemy trade and control coastal waters. They also formed alliances with local rulers and employed diplomacy to weaken Shivaji’s influence. The adversaries used a combination of naval and land-based tactics, as control of coastal territories was crucial for maritime dominance. Shivaji Maharaj, in response, devised innovative strategies such as coastal raids, hit-and-run attacks, and guerrilla warfare to counter the strength of his enemies. He leveraged the geography of the region, utilized intelligence networks, and adapted his naval tactics to challenge and undermine the power of his adversaries.  The Naval policy of Shivaji Maharaj  Shivaji Maharaj, recognized the strategic importance of a strong naval force in protecting his kingdom and expanding his influence along the western coast of India. He implemented a well-thought-out naval policy that encompassed several key elements. Shivaji Maharaj created a Navy which was suitable in the coastal waters of Western India, keeping in mind the enemy, the geography and resources available. Recognizing the importance of defending coastal territories, Shivaji Maharaj fortified numerous strategic locations with strong coastal forts. These forts not only acted as defensive strongholds but also served as bases for the Maratha Navy to launch naval operations and control maritime trade routes. From the point of view of protecting coastline forts were very important.The forts were divided into three types. Type One were the forts located next to the creeks which would keep eye on traffic going through the creeks. Second type were the forts located at important points on the coastline. The third type were forts which were located on small islands which were few kilometres away from the main coastline. The forts where located at height and could keep a surveillance and watch on the area all around. They acted like naval bases for the battleships. Khanberi, Colaba Swarna Durg, Sindhudurg were the Forts built on Islands, while Gopalgarh Purngarh, Jaigarh, Vijay Durga and Devgadh were built on the coastline itself. Shipbuilding and Infrastructure: Shivaji Maharaj emphasized the construction of well-designed ships suitable for coastal waters. He established shipyards at various locations along the coast, to facilitate the production and maintenance of naval vessels. These shipyards played a crucial role in ensuring a steady supply of ships for the Maratha Navy. Naval Bases and Dockyards: To support the operations of his naval fleet, Shivaji Maharaj established naval bases and dockyards at strategic locations. These bases provided a secure haven for Maratha warships and facilitated maintenance, repairs, and resupply activities. Naval Intelligence and Surveillance: Shivaji Maharaj emphasized gathering intelligence about enemy movements and maintaining surveillance over coastal waters. He employed a network of spies and informants who provided vital information on enemy activities, ensuring that the Maratha Navy was well-informed and prepared to counter any threats. Maritime Trade and Piracy: Shivaji Maharaj recognized the importance of maritime trade for the economic growth of his kingdom. He encouraged trade activities along the coast, established favorable trade policies, and protected Maratha traders from piracy. He took proactive measures to curb piracy by launching naval expeditions against pirates, thereby ensuring the safety of maritime commerce.  Constructing Multiple Naval Bases, Warships Along The Maharashtra Coast Shivaji Maharaj undertook the task of constructing multiple naval bases along the Maharashtra coast. He organized two fleets. While the majority of the Maratha Navy consisted of native Konkani sailors, it had few Siddis and Portuguese individuals. By 1659, the Maratha Navy possessed around 20 warships. The Marathas employed Portuguese naval officer Rui Leitão Viegas, aiming to gain insights into Portuguese naval technology and capabilities, as the Portuguese were known to possess a powerful navy. Portuguese later allied with the Marathas in their war against the Mughal Sultanate. 

Vijaydurg: Located in present-day Maharashtra, Vijaydurg served as a crucial naval base for Shivaji Maharaj. He extensively fortified this coastal stronghold and developed it into a major naval center. The fort was positioned, providing control over the Arabian Sea and facilitating maritime trade and defense operations. Sindhudurg: Built on an island off the Maharashtra coast, Sindhudurg was another important naval base . This fort was constructed with the primary purpose of safeguarding the coastline and serving as a base for naval operations. The fort’s location ensured control over sea routes and acted as a deterrent to enemy navies. Suvarnadurg: Situated near Harnai in Maharashtra, Suvarnadurg was another key naval base built by Shivaji Maharaj. This fort was positioned to protect the trade routes along the Konkan coast and serve as a base for naval activities. It provided a stronghold for the Maratha Navy and played a role in coastal defense. Kolaba: Located in Alibag, Maharashtra, Kolaba was an essential naval base established by Shivaji Maharaj. This fortification served as a outpost, overseeing maritime activities and providing a safe harbor for Maratha warships. Kolaba played a role in protecting the coast and facilitating naval operations. Dockyards: The naval bases were equipped with dockyards where ships could be repaired, maintained, and constructed. These dockyards had the necessary infrastructure, tools, and resources to handle the various needs of the Maratha Navy.Shipbuilding Facilities: Shivaji Maharaj established shipyards within or near the naval bases. These shipyards were equipped with the necessary tools, workshops, and manpower to construct warships and other vessels. Skilled artisans and craftsmen were employed to build and maintain the ships. Storage Facilities: The naval bases had storage facilities to house essential supplies, ammunition, and provisions for the navy. These storage depots ensured a steady supply of resources and facilitated efficient naval operations. Living Quarters: To accommodate the sailors, officers, and support staff, the naval bases had living quarters within the fortifications. Barracks and residential areas were built to provide suitable accommodation for the naval personnel stationed at these bases. Coastal Fortifications: The naval bases themselves were fortified with walls, bastions, and defensive structures to protect against enemy attacks. These fortifications provided a stronghold for the Maratha Navy and acted as a deterrent to enemy navies. The ships were regularly inspected, repaired, and cleaned. Skilled craftsmen, such as shipbuilders and carpenters, were employed to ensure that the vessels remained seaworthy. Regular maintenance tasks included repairing hull damage, replacing rigging and sails, and preserving the wood using tar and other protective materials.  Conclusion  With great determination, Shivaji Maharaj oversaw the establishment of multiple naval bases along the coast of present-day Maharashtra, organizing them into two fleets. The strength of Shivaji Maharaj’s Navy was substantial, boasting a formidable fleet of over 500 ships by the time of his demise in 1680, solidifying its position as a dominant force on the western coast line of India. The Maratha Navy proved to be a versatile and multifaceted entity. It served a multitude of purposes, including safeguarding the coastline from potential invasions, imposing blockades on enemy ports, facilitating the transportation of troops and supplies, and executing raids on adversary shipping. “The Maratha Navy, led by Shivaji Maharaj, disrupted the traditional balance of power at sea, forcing European powers to acknowledge their presence and adapt their strategies accordingly.