Ships And Weapons Used By Shivaji Maharaj's Navy

 

 

 

The Gurab fighting ship was of 150-300 ton capacity and had two 9 to 12 pounder cannons in the front and 6 to 9 pounder cannons on the side.

 

The Galbat was a smaller ship with 2-4 pounder Canon guns,Ship was manned by 40-50 sailers and with speed of 6 km per hour.

 

Galbat: were large warships employed by the Maratha Navy. They were sturdy vessels with a robust structure and significant cargo-carrying capacity. Galbats were armed with cannons and equipped with multiple decks to accommodate a large crew.They were primarily used for naval warfare and played a crucial role in engaging enemy fleets and coastal defenses. These warships provided firepower, stability, and a platform for boarding actions.

 

Gallivat: were smaller ships used by the Maratha Navy. They were swift and maneuverable vessels, often equipped with sails and oars. Gallivats had a shallow draft, allowing them to navigate shallow coastal waters and enter narrow estuaries.They were versatile ships that performed various roles, including coastal patrol, reconnaissance, and escorting larger vessels. They were well-suited for hit-and-run tactics, coastal raids, and transporting soldiers for amphibious operations.

Bows and Arrows: Although the use of bows and arrows was less prevalent in naval warfare during Shivaji Maharaj's time, they were occasionally used for long-range engagements.

Merchant Ships Dhows

 

Dhows were traditional sailing vessels commonly used for trade and transportation in the Indian Ocean. They had a distinctive design with a triangular or lateen sail and a shallow draft, allowing them to navigate coastal waters effectively.Shivaji Maharaj's navy made use of dhows for maritime trade and transportation along the coastal regions. These vessels played a role in facilitating commerce, ensuring the supply of goods, and maintaining connections with other regions.

The weapons used by Shivaji Maharaj's navy

 

 

Cannons: Cannons were an essential part of naval warfare during that time. They were mounted on the ships and used to fire heavy projectiles at enemy vessels or coastal fortifications.

 

 

 

 

Muskets and Firearms: Muskets and firearms were used by the naval soldiers for close-quarters combat. These weapons provided an advantage in boarding actions and during naval battles.

 

Swords and Daggers: Melee weapons like swords and daggers were used for hand-to-hand combat during boarding actions or when ships were engaged in close combat.