How Shivaji Maharaj,s Navy Defeated Siddi

  Battles Fought Against Portugese, European And  Siddis Of Jangira?

Shivaji Maharaj,s Navy engaged in several significant battles against the Portuguese, other European, and the Siddis. The Battle of Surat in 1664 demonstrated the Maratha Navy's well-coordinated use of both their army and naval forces. The Maratha Navy's victory over the Portuguese fleet in the Battle of Surat solidified the security of the Maratha coast, eliminating Portuguese interference.

Battle of Angediva (1661): The Maratha Navy, led by Captain Mainak Bhandari, confronted the Portuguese fleet near the island of Angediva. The Marathas successfully defeated the Portuguese forces and captured several Portuguese ships.

Battle of Bombay (1665): The Maratha Navy, commanded by Admiral Daulat Khan, engaged the Portuguese fleet near Bombay (now Mumbai). The Marathas achieved a decisive victory, capturing several Portuguese ships and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.

Battle of Vindhyagiri (1670): In this battle, the Maratha Navy, fought against the combined forces of the Portuguese and Siddis of Jangira. Despite being outnumbered, the Marathas emerged victorious and seized control of the strategic island of Vindhyagiri.

Battle of Khanderi (1679): The Maratha Navy confronted the combined naval forces of the Portuguese and Siddis near the island of Khanderi. The Marathas successfully defended their positions and repelled the enemy, ensuring their dominance in the region.

Battle of Karwar (1683): The Maratha Navy, engaged the combined forces of the Portuguese and Siddis near Karwar. The Marathas emerged triumphant, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy and securing their control over the region.

These battles showcased the prowess of the Maratha Navy, to challenge and defeat their adversaries in the Arabian Sea.

How Shivaji Maharaj,s Navy Defeated Siddi 

Siddi of Janjira, also known as Siddi Johar or Siddi Haidar, was an Abyssinian (Ethiopian) pirate who became the  naval chief of the Siddi dynasty based in Janjira, a coastal fort. Siddi Johar was active during the 17th century, particularly during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj.

The Siddi navy, with its swift and maneuverable ships, conducted frequent raids on coastal towns and villages, capturing vessels, looting trade routes, and demanding protection money from local merchants. They were particularly notorious for their acts of piracy and coastal plundering. 

The people of the Konkan region faced significant challenges due to the constant threat posed by Siddi Johar's naval forces. Comprehensive plan was made to defeat Siddi.

Blockade and Economic Siege: Shivaji Maharaj ordered a blockade of Janjira to cut off the fort from external supplies and resources. This economic siege put pressure on Siddi Johar and weakened his forces over time.

Fortification of Coastal Defense: Shivaji Maharaj fortified his own coastal defenses and established forts along the coastline. These forts acted as a defensive shield against Siddi Johar's forces and limited their expansion.

Coastal Raids: Shivaji Maharaj employed his naval forces to conduct frequent coastal raids on Janjira and its surrounding areas. These raids disrupted the enemy's activities, depleted their resources, and demoralized their troops.

Naval Encounters: They employed superior naval tactics, including ship-to-ship combat and boarding actions, to weaken the enemy and gain control of the maritime region.

Capture of Allied Ports: Shivaji Maharaj's navy captured and secured several ports and islands allied with Janjira. This deprived Siddi Johar of potential support and restricted his movements.

Diplomatic Alliances: Shivaji Maharaj formed alliances with other regional powers and European maritime forces to counter Siddi Johar's influence. These alliances provided additional naval support and hindered the Siddis' efforts.

Siege of Janjira: The fort was subjected to a relentless assault from land and sea, Shivaji Maharaj personally led numerous campaigns, demonstrating his strategic brilliance and naval expertise. One notable encounter was the Battle of Janjira in 1665, where Shivaji Maharaj besieged the formidable Janjira fort. Although the fort remained unconquered, the Marathas inflicted significant damage on the Siddi navy and disrupted their control over the region.

Through a combination of naval warfare, economic pressure, Shivaji Maharaj and his navy were able to defeat Siddi Johar and secure victory over the Siddi dynasty.