Shivaji Jayanti: How Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shaped Hindavi Swaraj and Earned the Title “Father of the Indian Navy”
- MGMMTeam
- Feb 19
- 13 min read
February 19th marks the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj, the visionary leader who laid the foundation of Hindavi Swarajya and became the first Chhatrapati of the Marathas. His legacy is etched in history as the founder of the Maratha Empire and the Maratha Navy. More than just a historical figure, he remains a symbol of cultural revival and resistance against oppression, inspiring generations of Indians.
A pioneer of guerrilla warfare, Shivaji Maharaj also played a crucial role in establishing an independent naval force at a time when European powers dominated the seas, earning him the title of the “Father of the Indian Navy.” Recognizing the strategic importance of naval strength early on, he built a formidable navy to safeguard the Konkan coast from colonial forces like the British, Dutch, and Portuguese. His naval army comprised pirates, fishermen, and various seafaring tribes, with the fort of Kolaba serving as the Marathas' naval headquarters.
The Marathas resisted British attempts to gain control over the Indian coasts. Initially, they lacked a navy due to frequent Mughal attacks. However, Shivaji was the first to recognize the strategic importance of a strong naval force. His encounters with the Siddis, who were based at Murud Janjira, and the Portuguese naval dominance along the Konkan coast made him realize the need for a powerful fleet and an efficient port system. A firm believer in fortifications, he built several coastal forts, including Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg, strategically positioning them on hilltops to oversee the coastline and strengthen inland defenses.
Over time, the Maratha navy expanded, securing key forts such as Kolaba, Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, and Ratnagiri. They successfully defended against both the Portuguese and the British for nearly 40 years. At its peak, the Maratha fleet comprised over 500 ships under Shivaji’s leadership. However, it declined after his death in 1680.
Exploring the Depths of History
India has a rich and diverse maritime heritage, with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj standing out for his remarkable contributions to naval strategy and warfare. A visionary leader of the 17th century, he recognized the strategic importance of a strong navy long before his contemporaries. He laid the foundation for a naval force that not only safeguarded the coastline but also asserted power and influence during a time when the subcontinent was fragmented into multiple kingdoms and threatened by foreign invasions.
During the 17th century, India was shaped by powerful kingdoms and empires, including the Adilshahi of Bijapur, the Qutb Shahi of Golconda, and the Mughal Empire, which influenced the Deccan region and the Konkan coast. The Adilshahi controlled key ports along India’s western coastline, while European powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and the Siddis of African descent dominated the seas.
The Portuguese established control over the Arabian Sea and its trade routes following Vasco da Gama’s arrival in Calicut in 1498. To restrict Indian merchants, they introduced the Cartaz system, which required trading permits and often resulted in the destruction of non-compliant ships. Strengthening their dominance, they established colonies along the Konkan coast in Vasai, Chaul, Daman, Goa, Basrur, and Mangalore, supported by a powerful naval fleet.
In 1613, the English East India Company set up its first factory in Surat, as reported by The Indian Express. After acquiring Bombay in 1665, they constructed a fort in the southeastern part of the island, completing it by 1683. They also developed warships such as the Revenge, armed with 22 cannons, and the Hunter, equipped with 14. Additionally, they procured smaller locally-built ships fitted with cannons for defense.
Besides the Portuguese and the British, the Dutch and the French were also active along the Indian coastline. The Siddis, who had settled in Janjira, maintained a formidable naval presence with a fleet of 20 vessels and four Gurabs (frigates). Initially serving the Adilshahi and later aligning with the Mughals, the Siddis were highly skilled seafarers who played a crucial role in the region’s maritime affairs.
A Marathi-language biography of Shivaji, titled “Sabhasad Bakhar,” conveyed, “When Shivaji began his career of independence the coast of Konkan was infested with alien powers. The Siddi was very powerful and a sworn enemy of the Maratha state. He carried fire and sword everywhere on the Maratha coast. He was a standing nuisance, troublesome like a mouse in the house.”
When Shivaji seized control of Torna Fort (located in present-day Pune), he laid the foundation for his empire, or “Swarajya,” amidst a turbulent political landscape. A turning point in his rise to power was the defeat of Afzal Khan, a formidable general of the Adilshahi Sultanate sent to suppress Shivaji’s growing influence.
He later strengthened his hold over trade and maritime affairs by integrating vast regions of Konkan and Kolhapur into Swarajya and securing key northern ports such as Kalyan and Bhiwandi. Between 1657 and 1658, he governed a 100-kilometer stretch of the Konkan coast, extending from the Savitri River to the northern forts of Kohoj and Asherigad. Additionally, he expanded his territory and directly challenged the Siddi domains by capturing several strategic forts, including Surgad, Birwadi, Tala, Ghosale, Sudhagad, Kangori, and Raigad (formerly known as Rairi).
How Shivaji Established His Naval Force
As Shivaji consolidated his control over the coastal districts, he recognized the necessity of naval power to counter European dominance over maritime trade routes and secure vital exports along the Konkan coast. He also understood that a strong navy was crucial for safeguarding his empire, as pirates posed a constant threat and overseas trade was a significant source of state revenue. Unlike other regional kingdoms in the Indian subcontinent that struggled with maritime disruptions, Shivaji’s vision led to the establishment of a formidable naval force.
According to historian Surendranath Sen in his 1925 book Administrative System of the Marathas, the seas represented a new frontier, and Shivaji remained the only Indian ruler to have developed a fleet with a clear political strategy, despite the Marathas’ expertise in land warfare.
While there are limited firsthand records of how Shivaji initiated his naval expansion, Portuguese archives provide valuable insights. Shipbuilding efforts in Kalyan and Bhiwandi began around 1659. On July 19 of that year, Antonio Castro, the captain of Vasai, reported in a letter to the governor of Goa—later discussed by the Portuguese advisory council—that Shivaji was constructing a fleet of 20 sangvisel (Indian ships) in Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Pen to confront the Siddis. The project was overseen by Portuguese naval officer Rui Leitao Viegas, and Shivaji sought permission from the Portuguese to use their timber and ports for ship construction.
Castro urged the governor to reinforce Vasai’s defences, expressing concerns that granting such permissions could lead to the rise of a formidable adversary. In response, the Portuguese advisory committee took measures to obstruct Shivaji’s initiatives. Joao de Salazar, a native of Vasai, was tasked with disrupting the shipbuilding process by persuading workers to abandon the project due to their religious allegiance to the Portuguese crown.
Despite these obstacles, Portuguese records reveal that Shivaji’s naval projects made remarkable progress. Documents indicate that seven out of the fifty warships under construction in Chaul had already been launched. Dutch records also referenced Shivaji’s frigates, fort construction, and naval operations in Harnai, highlighting how European powers closely monitored and resisted his efforts to build a formidable navy. More significantly, these developments marked the beginning of an extraordinary maritime legacy in Indian history.
Adnyapatra: The Guiding Principle of the Maratha Empire
The "Adnyapatra" by Ramchandrapant Amatya served as the guide for managing state affairs within the Maratha Empire, particularly under Sambhaji II, the grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji. This document outlined the tactics that strengthened the empire, covering topics such as administration, government policies, and naval strategy. The Maratha fleet was divided into two branches: merchant ships and warships. Warships included Gurabs, Galbats, Mahagiris, Shibads, Tarandes, Taruses, and Pagars, while merchant ships consisted of Machwas, Shibads, Padavs, Tarandes, and Pagars. While the exact size of Shivaji’s fleet is uncertain, English records from 1665 estimate it at 85 ships, including three large Gurabs and 5,000 sailors. By 1673, the fleet had expanded to 33 ships.
The "Chitragupta Bakhar" (1760–1770), a biography of Shivaji based on Sabhasad Bakhar, reports that the fleet included 30 large Gurabs, 1,000 Galbats, 150 Mahagiris, 50 small Gurabs, 10 small boats, 150 smaller boats, 60 Taraves, 25 Pal ships, 15 Jug-class ships, and 50 Machwas. According to the "Adnyapatra," the navy was organized into three subhas (divisions), each with 5 Gurabs and 15 Galbats. The document emphasized that the state should determine the salaries of naval personnel to ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness of the fleet. This structured approach underscored the Marathas' strategic focus on naval power for defense, trade, and warfare.
The Crucial Role of Forts in Shivaji’s Naval Strategy
Shivaji strategically incorporated forts into his maritime policy, recognizing their crucial role in safeguarding naval defense. These forts were categorized into three types: island forts, located on islands near the shore; coastal forts, positioned along the coastline; and forts at river mouths, constructed on promontories by creeks or rivers. The Maratha Navy relied on these key forts along the Konkan coast as essential strongholds, supply bases, and safe harbors to bolster its naval power.
The Adnyapatra laid out specific guidelines for maritime warfare and fortifications. These included the continuous monitoring of enemy movements, regular procurement of supplies and ammunition from secure locations like Janjira, and persistent naval patrols. The instructions emphasized the importance of coordinated tactical responses, such as uniting all ships for a naval battle and retreating to safe harbors when strong winds hindered reorganization. The text also advised caution when engaging opponents, recommending encirclement from a distance and using gunfire to weaken their position before launching a direct assault.
Historical records show that Shivaji’s navy conducted numerous raids, securing control over the Konkan coastline and adjacent seas. Notably, his fleet seized ships from the British, Portuguese, and Adilshahi. The first major naval campaign occurred in February 1665, when Shivaji, commanding a fleet of 85 frigates and three large ships, sailed from Malvan (modern-day Maharashtra) to raid Basrur (Karnataka), encountering no resistance from the Portuguese in Goa.
This campaign marked a significant turning point in Shivaji’s naval endeavors, showcasing his ability to challenge powerful maritime nations. After raiding Basrur, he marched to the coastal town of Karwar in Karnataka, visited the Hindu temple at Gokarna, and then proceeded to Ankola (modern-day Karnataka). The campaign, described in an English letter dated March 14, 1665, marked a pivotal moment in the rise of Maratha naval dominance, highlighting Shivaji’s strategic brilliance.
Prioritizing Naval Strength
BK Apte in his seminal work “A History of the Maratha Navy and Merchantships” wrote, “The navy has been considered as an independent limb of the Maratha State by (Shivaji’s finance minister Ramachandra Pant) Amatya in Rajniti, a work on Maratha polity.” His ultimate goal was dominance. He realized that controlling the seas was the key to acquiring land. “When Shivaji began his career of independence, the coast of Konkan was infested with alien powers,” he added.
The English and the Portuguese dominated the Arabian Sea, while the Siddis remained a formidable threat. Shivaji's naval ambitions took shape with the conquest of Basrur, in the Udipi region of Karnataka, in 1665. Commanding a fleet of 85 ships, both large and small, he raided the area and returned with significant loot. Although the attack involved no naval combat, it marked a crucial turning point. Even the Portuguese were unsettled by Shivaji’s audacious maritime strategy. In a letter dated August 6, 1659, the viceroy of Goa urged the Portuguese commander to “smother” the rise of the “newly built gallivats” at Kalyan, Bhiwandi, and Panvel. Notably, Shivaji had already secured one of his earliest victories in Kalyan in 1657, where he also launched his first vessel.
At the time, the Maratha Navy comprised around 20 warships. While Shivaji had two skilled commanders, Mainak Bhandari and Dulat Khan, his crew consisted primarily of Konkanis, who had a deep connection to the sea. His legacy was carried forward by his son Sambhaji, who expanded the navy, built forts, enlisted Arab commander Jange Khan to train his forces, and took control of the Elephanta Caves. However, it was Kanhoji Angre who truly carried Shivaji’s maritime vision forward. Appointed as sarkhel (admiral) of the Maratha navy in 1699, he held the remarkable distinction of never losing a naval battle. At Kandheri Island, he completed the fortifications initiated by Shivaji in 1679, and today, the 16-acre island bears his name.
Shivaji's Naval Warfare Strategies
Shivaji’s naval strategies were revolutionary and remain highly regarded as masterpieces of military strategy. He recognized the importance of a strong naval force, especially after witnessing the Portuguese influence on India’s west coast.
Establishment of a Naval Fleet
In 1654, the foundation of the Maratha naval base was laid near Kalyan. Over time, Shivaji developed a fleet of 20 warships and multiple naval stations, enlisting both foreign and local mercenaries, including Portuguese and Siddi individuals, to strengthen his forces.
Guerrilla Tactics at Sea
The Maratha fleet excelled in green-water operations, focusing on shallow and coastal waters. They employed guerrilla warfare techniques, ambushing enemy ships from the leeward or astern side and seeking refuge in bays and creeks where larger vessels could not pursue them.
Close-Combat Warfare
Unlike other naval forces that relied heavily on artillery, the Marathas specialized in hand-to-hand combat after boarding enemy ships. This approach rendered the opponent’s broadside cannons ineffective and played to the Marathas’ strength in close-quarters combat.
Strategic Positioning
Rather than concentrating their fleet in one location, the Marathas strategically distributed their ships across different squadrons. This dispersion allowed for greater flexibility and faster responses to threats while making it difficult for adversaries to predict their movements.
Intelligence and Espionage
Shivaji’s navy was known for its exceptional intelligence network. Maratha operatives infiltrated enemy territories, gathering crucial information and even bribing enemy commanders. These tactics were instrumental in planning surprise attacks and executing successful military campaigns.
Defensive and Offensive Prowess
The Battle of Surat marked one of the earliest instances of the Maratha navy in action, where they successfully defended their coastline against the English and Siddi forces. This battle demonstrated their ability to both protect their territories and launch effective offensives.
Shivaji’s leadership and the inspiration he instilled in his soldiers were key to the Maratha Navy’s success. Despite being outnumbered or having limited resources, their unwavering determination and tactical expertise led them to numerous victories.
Traits of the Maratha Naval Force
Shivaji pioneered the concept of "Guerrilla Warfare at Sea," which involved launching sudden attacks on enemy vessels using swift and agile ships. This tactic aimed to gain a strategic edge by catching opponents off guard. Recognizing the importance of secure harbors, he established fortified naval bases along the coastline, with Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg being the most notable. These forts served as safe havens for his fleet and allowed him to control key maritime trade routes.
His navy comprised a diverse fleet, including Gurabs, Gallibats, Manjuhas, and others, enabling a range of tactical operations from swift assaults to prolonged naval blockades. Open to learning from various naval traditions, he recruited Muslim mercenaries to enhance his fleet's expertise and employed Portuguese sailors for their maritime combat skills. A primary objective of his navy was to safeguard the Maratha coastline and commercial routes.
Shivaji’s naval strategy combined offensive and defensive maneuvers to create a secure maritime environment. He also used his navy as a diplomatic tool, strengthening Maratha influence through treaties and strategic alliances. Committed to innovation, he equipped his ships with state-of-the-art weaponry and navigation technology, making them formidable forces in naval warfare.
Forts Captured by Shivaji Maharaj
Shivaji was not only skilled in fort warfare but also in maritime strategy. His conquest of forts began at the age of 15, starting with Bijapur Fort, which he seized through bribing the commander. This act led to a confrontation with Afzal Khan, whom Shivaji ultimately killed in hand-to-hand combat. Over the span of 35 years, Shivaji successfully captured nearly 300 forts.
Torna Fort: At just 16 years old, Shivaji captured Torna Fort in a significant victory against the Bijapur Sultanate, marking the official beginning of his military campaigns.
Raigad Fort: Shivaji took control of Raigad Fort, formerly known as Rairi, and declared it his capital. It was here that he was crowned King of the Maratha Kingdom in 1674.
Pratapgad Fort: This fort gained prominence after the Battle of Pratapgad, where Shivaji defeated Bijapur Sultanate leader Afzal Khan. It was crucial for controlling the banks of the Nira and Koyna rivers.
Sindhudurg Fort: Located on Maharashtra’s Malvan coast, Sindhudurg Fort served as a vital naval base and military stronghold. Shivaji built several naval forts to protect the Konkan coastline, with Sindhudurg being one of the key ones.
Vijaydurg Fort: Another important naval fort, Vijaydurg played a critical role in overseeing maritime activities along the Konkan coast and functioned as a shipbuilding center.
Panhala Fort: Captured in 1659, Panhala Fort held strategic importance, providing control over the Sahyadri mountain pass.
Kondana Fort: Known today as Sinhagad, Kondana Fort was seized by Shivaji’s trusted general Tanaji Malusare in a daring nighttime assault. A 2020 film featuring Ajay Devgn and Kajol was inspired by this event.
Purandar Fort: After losing the fort to the Mughals, Shivaji recaptured Purandar, which played a crucial role in the Treaty of Purandar with the Mughal Empire.
These forts were not only military strongholds but also served as centers of administration and governance. They were vital to Shivaji’s strategy for consolidating his legacy by securing the western coast and the Deccan plateau.
Maratha Conflicts with Rival Powers
Shivaji and the Siddis are renowned for their naval confrontations. Shivaji made several attempts to capture the formidable Janjira fort but was unsuccessful due to the stronghold's natural defences and the Portuguese support for the Siddis. The Siddis, realizing they could not rival Shivaji’s growing power, sought protection under Portuguese suzerainty. Shivaji, however, managed to bypass Portuguese interests while focusing on expanding his domain. Both the Marathas and the Portuguese eventually reached an agreement, recognizing each other’s respective advantages. Despite treaties, the Maratha Navy and the Mughal-Siddi coalition continued their battles, yet the Marathas could not seize Janjira.
Recognizing the need for a backup naval base, Shivaji turned his attention to Khanderi Island, near Mumbai. The first attempt to capture it in 1662 was abandoned due to a lack of fresh water on the island. However, in 1679, Shivaji resumed his efforts, sending troops and supplies to the island. This move threatened British interests, as it posed a direct challenge to their dominance in Mumbai. The British fiercely contested Shivaji’s presence but were eventually forced to retreat.
Although Shivaji’s navy was vast, he understood the crucial role of European naval strength in commerce. He strategically established forts, ports, and naval bases, taking advantage of the natural geography of the Konkan region. By leveraging the locals' expertise in marine navigation and sea tactics, he strengthened his navy. His efforts not only defended ports and secured trade routes but also stimulated economic growth through increased trade.
Shivaji inherited a landlocked jagir, making his creation of a navy even more remarkable. He had the foresight to recognize the importance of naval strength, both in defence and offence, during a time when it was largely neglected in India. In 1654, he laid the foundation for the Maratha naval force near Kalyan, establishing several fortified naval outposts along the western coastline.
His fleet, composed of a diverse range of ships commanded by both local and foreign experts, was a testament to his visionary management. Known as the "Father of the Indian Navy," Shivaji's strategic approach to naval warfare earned him this title.
Shivaji not only safeguarded the Maratha empire from foreign invasions but also used his naval power as a diplomatic tool. His innovative tactics—ranging from hand-to-hand combat and guerrilla warfare at sea to strategic fleet positioning—revolutionized naval strategy, influencing modern-day maritime operations. His contributions left a lasting legacy in India's maritime history.
In recognition of his maritime legacy, the Modi government honored Shivaji’s influence. In 2022, the Indian Navy's new ensign, inspired by Shivaji's royal seal (Ashtakoni Rajmudra), featured a sophisticated blue octagonal design. Additionally, in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort during his visit to Sindhudurg.
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