Chhatrapati Shivaji recognised early that political authority over land alone could not ensure Swarajya’s security. The Konkan coast—with its rugged shoreline, deep harbours, and narrow chokepoints—was constantly contested. Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French traders and fleets sought dominance, while local powers like the Siddis of Janjira wielded substantial naval capability.
For Shivaji, the Arabian Sea was a source of wealth, a theatre of military action, and a domain of sovereignty. Biographers such as Jadunath Sarkar and G B Mehendale emphasise that his naval campaigns were not random raids but carefully planned components of statecraft. The fleet, forts, and dockyards were integrated into administrative offices, establishing a disciplined naval infrastructure unprecedented in Bharat at the time.
Coastal Forts: The Backbone of Power
Central to Shivaji’s maritime strategy were the coastal forts, serving as operational bases, logistics hubs, and symbols of sovereignty. Ramchandra Pant Amatya, in his Ajnapatra, stressed the indispensability of forts: “The essence of the whole kingdom is forts. If there are no forts and a foreign invasion comes, the open country becomes supportless, the people routed and broken up, and the kingdom desolated.” Sindhudurg, constructed between 1664 and 1667, exemplifies Shivaji’s strategic ingenuity. Built by nearly 3,000 workers including 100 Portuguese artisans and employing over 200 khandis of iron, it combined engineering skill with defensive purpose. Vijaydurg, Bankot, Jaigad, and Anjanvel similarly functioned as naval bases, storing provisions, ammunition, and warships. Artillery batteries along these forts controlled key harbours, enabling Shivaji to regulate maritime traffic and project power.
Early Naval Initiatives
Shipbuilding at Kalyan-Bhiwandi was recorded by Portuguese observers as early as 1657. By the early 1660s, Shivaji had assembled a small but effective fleet. This fleet participated in the Basrur raid of 1665, comprising 85 vessels, which yielded significant booty and demonstrated operational capability.
Shivaji’s navy was deliberately small, agile, and locally sourced. Gallivats (oared, light attack vessels), gurabs (heavier warships), and flat-bottomed boats allowed operations in shallow creeks and harbours. Local carpenters constructed the ships, occasionally assisted by European mercenaries who contributed gunnery expertise. These vessels, while technologically less advanced than European ships, were ideally suited for Konkan’s waters and Shivaji’s hit-and-run tactics.
Organisation and Command
The Maratha navy’s hierarchy was well defined. Two squadrons, amounting to approximately 400 ships, were commanded by officers Daria Sarang and Mai Naik under the overall authority of the Sarkhel (chief admiral). The Armada Subha, a dedicated naval office, supervised operations, while narkhodas (captains) directed day-to-day activities. Crew composition reflected a cross-section of coastal society:
- Kharvas navigated ships
- Kolis served as sailors, adept at coastal waters
- Bhandaris handled small boats and ferries
Artisans and European mercenaries contributed construction and gunnery skills
This organisation illustrates Shivaji’s ability to harness local expertise while maintaining disciplined, hierarchical control.
Relations with European Powers
Shivaji handled European powers with pragmatism. Initially, he purchased Portuguese cartaz passes and paid customs to avoid conflict, while simultaneously building his naval strength. The Dutch traded and occasionally assisted him against Janjira to limit English influence near Bombay. The French supplied ammunition in exchange for factories at Rajapur. The English, meanwhile, were hostile. Their Rajapur factory allied with the Siddis, prompting Shivaji to seize treasure and prisoners in 1660—later releasing them upon ransom. These interactions reflect a nuanced diplomacy: Shivaji leveraged European rivalries to strengthen Swarajya’s position without compromising maritime independence.
Conflict with the Siddis of Janjira
The Siddis’ island fortress at Janjira represented Shivaji’s toughest maritime challenge. Their fleet, often in association with European powers, threatened Maratha shipping and coastal settlements. While Janjira itself remained unconquered, the capture of Khanderi Island in 1679 allowed the Marathas to monitor Siddi and English movements effectively. Under commanders like Mai Naik, the Maratha navy demonstrated that small, agile fleets supported by forts could effectively challenge stronger naval powers. The combination of tactical raids, surveillance, and coastal fortification highlights Shivaji’s sophisticated understanding of naval strategy.
Trade, Revenue, and Pass Systems
Shivaji’s maritime administration extended beyond warfare. He encouraged trade through a merchant fleet designed like warships, adaptable for cargo. Key ports—Dabhol, Rajapur, Karwar, Bhatkal, and Vengurla-flourished under his policy.
To regulate commerce, he implemented a pass system:
- Dastak: Authorised voyages within Maratha-controlled waters.
- Kaul: Long-distance passes regulating specific goods.
These measures undermined Portuguese cartaz monopoly, ensured revenue for Swarajya, and integrated economic and defensive objectives seamlessly.
Naval Tactics and Shore Integration
The Maratha fleet prioritised speed, surprise, and tactical positioning. Direct battles with European navies were avoided; instead, fast raids, supply disruption, and fort-supported manoeuvres were employed. Ships used bows, spears, swords, and locally cast cannons, supplemented by European artillery when necessary.
Forts and fleets were mutually reinforcing. For example, when Maratha vessels approached hostile shores, artillery from Vijaydurg or Kolaba could deter superior enemy ships. This combination of fortified chokepoints and agile squadrons allowed the Marathas to dominate local waters despite smaller numbers and lighter ships.
Legacy and Historical Impact
By the end of Shivaji’s reign, the Marathas controlled over 360 forts, both inland and coastal. Historian Khafi Khan noted that Shivaji’s seafront forts “entirely interrupted maritime intercourse,” underscoring their effectiveness in asserting regional authority. Shivaji’s naval foundations enabled later leaders like Kanhoji Angre to challenge European powers and local rivals alike. More than a military achievement, Shivaji’s maritime policy demonstrated how statecraft, commerce, and naval innovation could converge to secure sovereignty. His initiatives marked a watershed in Bharatiya maritime history, proving that control of the sea was as crucial as control of the land for political, economic, and military power.
Shivaji Maharaj’s naval enterprise was transformative. By integrating forts, fleets, shipbuilding, administration, trade regulation, and tactical innovation, he created one of the earliest disciplined Bharatiya navies. His strategies allowed Swarajya to secure its coastline, assert maritime authority, and challenge European ambitions.
More than three centuries later, Shivaji’s maritime legacy continues to offer lessons: sovereignty depends on vigilant coastal defence, effective organisation, and the intelligent use of available resources. Through his vision, Shivaji Maharaj elevated the seas from a peripheral concern to a central pillar of statecraft, leaving a lasting imprint on Bharat’s naval history.
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