https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sx1rl3VN0w&t=20s
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.
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.
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.
Tasks Undertaken By Shivaji
Maharaj's Navy.
Coastal Defense: One of the primary tasks of the
Maratha Navy was to defend the Konkan coast and protect Maratha territories
from coastal invasions by enemy forces. They were responsible for monitoring
and safeguarding the coastline, coastal forts, and key ports against attacks
from rival powers, such as the Portuguese, Siddis, and Mughals. Preventing European and Siddis, from harassing common people of Konkan
was a very major task.
Challenging Portuguese Dominance: Shivaji Maharaj aimed to
challenge their dominance and limit their control over the region. His Navy
actively engaged in naval battles and skirmishes with the Portuguese fleet,
disrupting their operations and weakening their hold on key ports and trade routes.
Raiding Enemy Ships and Ports: They would launch surprise
attacks, capture enemy vessels, and seize valuable resources and supplies.
These raids not only inflicted economic damage on the adversaries but also
boosted the morale of the Maratha Navy.
Supporting Land Campaigns: His Navy played a vital role in
supporting land campaigns by providing naval firepower and transport for troops
and supplies. They would conduct amphibious operations, provide artillery
support from the sea, and assist in the capture of coastal forts during land
offensives.
Protecting Maritime Trade: His Navy was assigned the task
of safeguarding Maratha merchant vessels and ensuring the safe passage of trade
ships along the Konkan coast. This involved protecting them from pirate attacks
and enemy privateers.
By effectively managing and
deploying his naval forces, Shivaji Maharaj sought to secure his maritime
territories, protect trade, challenge rival powers, and establish Maratha
dominance in the region.
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