“Chhatrapati Shivaji” is known as Father of the Indian Navy
February 18, 2017Harshal P. PatilAdventure
The 17th-century Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is considered as the ‘Father of the Indian Navy’. Shivaji was born in the hill-fort of Shivneri, near the city of Junnar in Pune district of Maharastra on or 19 February 1630. Shivaji demonstrated great skill in creating his military organisation .He built a strong naval presence across the coast of Konkan and Goa to protect sea trade. The navy under Shivaji was so strong that the Marathas coule hold their against the British, Portuguese and Dutch. Shivaji realised the importance of having a secure coastline and protecting the western Konkan coastline from the attacks of Siddi’s fleet. His strategy was to build a strong navy to protect and bolster his kingdom.
In 1664-67 AD, Shivaji develops a new Fort on the This fort was constructed by Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The main object was to counter rising influence of foreign colonizers (The English, Dutch, French and Portuguese merchants) and to curb the rise of Siddis of Janjira.
Shivaji built ships in towns such as Kalyan, Bhivandi, and Goa for building fighting navy as well as trade. He also built a number of sea forts and bases for repair, storage and shelter. Shivaji fought many lengthy battles with Siddis of Janjira on coastline. The fleet grew to reportedly 160 to 700 merchant, support and fighting vessels. He started trading with foreigners on his own after possession of eight or nine ports in the Deccan.
Shivaji is also known as Managment Guru.
