Chanakya Policy & Research Foundation

Among the great historical heroes of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s name is remembered with utmost respect. He is celebrated not only as the founder of the mighty Maratha Empire but also for the struggles he endured and the victories he achieved during his lifetime. It was the valiant Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who envisioned the dream of “Swarajya” (self-rule) for an India shackled by the chains of foreign powers such as the Mughals, the Bijapur Adil Shahi dynasty, the Portuguese at sea, and the Siddis. To realize this dream, he undertook extraordinary and unparalleled efforts.

During the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the ruling powers, such as the Mughals, had occupied large parts of India. To fulfill his dream of Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule for Bharatiyas), Shivaji had to fight battles on land, which he did with remarkable success. His efforts culminated in his grand coronation on 6th June 1674, a moment of immense pride and glory.

But what sets Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj apart is his understanding of the power of the sea and his visionary approach to utilizing it—a concept that had seemingly faded among Indians after the Chola Empire.

Shivaji’s vision was for his Maratha navy to emerge as a formidable maritime power, capable of challenging

dominant forces like the British, Dutch, and Portuguese in the struggle for control over the seas. This vision was quite different from that of most Indian rulers and empires, who typically did not consider naval dominance a necessity. As a result, Indian merchant ships often fell victim to foreign pirates. However, Shivaji’s thinking was innovative and energetic.

He worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life. Shivaji’s naval fleet is said to have consisted of approximately 500 ships, divided into two squadrons. These squadrons contained hundreds of various types of vessels, each led by an official of admiral rank.

All these ships were warships, designed to maintain control over the coastal areas, ports, and surrounding seas within the Maratha Empire. To protect the coastline, Shivaji constructed several coastal forts, such as Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Suvarnadurg, and Padmadurg.

In addition to fortifying the coasts, Shivaji strategically captured significant sea ports, such as Colaba (near Bombay), which he developed into his principal arsenal. He even collected Chauth (a form of tax) from the Portuguese in the Daman region, demonstrating his dominance over the region’s maritime trade and control.

He also seized crucial sea ports like Rajapur and Dabhol from the powerful Bijapur Sultanate through his military might. Following the Maratha army’s raids on Sunda, Bardes, and Salsette, the fear of the Maratha navy grew significantly

among maritime powers.

From Shivaji’s naval efforts, we can draw several important lessons. Despite having a smaller fleet compared to the massive warships of the Dutch and the British, Shivaji’s navy was highly effective due to its speed and the Maratha tactics of sudden attacks and plundering. He successfully applied guerrilla warfare techniques, not only on land but also at sea.

Shivaji took the defense of his sea ports seriously and understood their strategic importance. His efforts to control trade routes were evident to all. Using local artisans, he built hundreds of warships and sea ports, creating employment for thousands of people, which in turn increased his popularity and local support.

Shivaji’s naval fleet included a diverse group of sailors, such as Bandaris, Kolis, Malabaris, Marathas, Muslims, and Christians, who were well-versed in maritime warfare and the construction and repair of ships. These skills were honed further through conflicts with the Siddis and the Portuguese.

Dr. K.C. Tiwari’s research reveals that Shivaji provided merchants arriving at his empire’s coasts with various facilities, including accommodations, medical aid, protection, and fair treatment. These measures were crucial for fostering trade within his kingdom.

Shivaji’s naval force followed a unique model, divided horizontally into three key administrative posts—something

unheard of in other Indian kingdoms:

1. Havaldar: The head of the sea garrison and keeper of the fort’s keys.

2. Sabnis: The head of naval accounts.

3. Karchanis: The head of the commissariat, responsible for general administration at sea forts. They also acted as quartermasters, ensuring proper fleet maintenance, ammunition storage, food supply, and logistics.

This organized structure of naval administration showcased Shivaji’s systematic approach to maritime power.

To illustrate Shivaji’s maritime strength, examining some of his notable naval expeditions is sufficient:

1. Basrur (1665): In February 1665, Shivaji personally led his naval fleet to capture Basrur, a strategic port. English Factory Records mention that Basrur had a fleet of 85 frigates and three large ships, which Shivaji’s forces successfully subdued.

2. Konkan (1661): In early 1661, Kartalab Khan, a Central Asian general, launched an attack on Shivaji’s forts in the Konkan region with a massive force of 30,000 soldiers, aiming for a surprise offensive. However, Shivaji anticipated this move and sent his naval forces through the sea. His

forces ambushed the enemy at the mountain pass of Umber Khind, completely destroying the invading army.

3. Kolaba (1670): By late 1670, Shivaji had assembled a formidable fleet of 160 ships at Nandgaon in the Kolaba district, under the leadership of Admiral Daria Sarang. This fleet was prepared to counter the Portuguese navy and maintain control over the region.

4. Kenery (1672): In 1672, Shivaji’s navy captured the island of Kenery. The operation aimed to restrict the movements of the Siddis, who were entrenched in the Janjira sea fort, and to secure the mainland from their attacks.

5. Phonda (1675): In 1675, Shivaji dispatched 50 warships loaded with arms and supplies to support the capture of Phonda, a vital strategic post south of Goa, along with Kara. The mission was executed flawlessly, without any casualties in his navy.

6. Southern Campaign (1676): Toward the end of 1676, Shivaji embarked on a massive campaign in South India, targeting regions like Mysore and Madras. This extensive conquest involved a colossal force of 50,000, comprising 20,000 cavalry, 20,000 infantry, and a naval fleet of 10,000 personnel.

These expeditions demonstrate Shivaji’s exceptional strategic planning, effective use of naval power, and ability to adapt his tactics to different challenges.

Shivaji’s relentless efforts, exceptional planning, and execution continue to inspire the entire nation to this day. He is often regarded as the “Father of the Indian Navy,” a title that reflects his pioneering vision of maritime power. In recognition of his lasting influence, the Indian Navy unveiled a new ensign in 2022, featuring an elegant blue octagonal emblem. This design was directly inspired by Shivaji’s royal seal, symbolizing his enduring legacy and contributions to India’s naval strength. His impact is undeniable, shaping not just the past, but also continuing to influence India’s naval strategy today.

INS Shivaji, a naval station located in Lonavala, Maharashtra, named after Shivaji, continues to honor his legacy by training some of the nation’s most courageous and skilled military warriors. This station plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s naval forces, fostering the same valor and leadership that Shivaji himself exemplified.

Even today, India continues to uphold and implement the vision of Shivaji, working relentlessly towards it. Powerful aircraft carriers and destroyer-class ships, such as INS Vikramaditya, INS Vikrant, and INS Imphal, stationed in the Indian Ocean region, roar like lions in the sea. Following

Shivaji’s footsteps, India is strengthening its sea ports, including Chennai and Visakhapatnam, making them more powerful and secure.

With the goal of providing employment opportunities and promoting technological advancements within the country, the Indian Navy now manufactures its own naval warships and weapons, such as the powerful nuclear submarine INS Arihant. This is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance for India in defense and maritime strength.

To conclude, Shivaji Maharaj’s vision for a strong maritime force continues to resonate today. His strategic brilliance laid the foundation for India’s naval power, which now roars across the Indian Ocean with ships like INS Vikrant and INS Imphal. The self-reliance he championed is reflected in India’s growing naval capabilities, from aircraft carriers to nuclear submarines. As India strengthens its maritime strength, we honor Shivaji’s legacy, reminding ourselves of the warrior who once envisioned a powerful naval force for a free and secure India.

Bibliography

1. Tiwari, Dr. K.C. “Shivaji: Master of Strategic Warfare in Arabian Sea during 16th Century.” Shodh Prerak, vol. I, no. 3, July 2011, pp. 222-228.

2. Sarkar, Sir Jadunath. Shivaji and His Times. Orient Longman, 1966.

3. Purandare, Vaibhav. Shivaji: India’s Great Warrior King. Penguin Books, 2013.