Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,s Navy a versatile and multifaceted Fighting Force

"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:-

·         Geography Coastal Area

·         Enemy At Sea Portuguese, British, Siddi(Janjira}supported By Mughals

·         The Naval policy

·         Constructing Multiple Naval Bases, Warships Along The Coast

·         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.