Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: The Visionary Founder of India’s First Modern Navy

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, is widely celebrated for his military genius, administrative acumen, and deep patriotism. Among his many remarkable achievements, one of the most visionary and less-discussed is his creation of a powerful naval force — a feat that established India’s first modern navy. Long before the British or Portuguese dominated the seas, Shivaji recognized the strategic importance of maritime power and built a naval fleet that could defend India’s western coastline and secure the Maratha trade routes.

The Need for a Navy: Shivaji’s Strategic Vision

During the 17th century, India’s western coast was constantly under threat from foreign powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, and the British East India Company. The Arabian Sea had become a theatre of power politics where European traders used their naval superiority to exploit coastal kingdoms and control trade.

Shivaji, born in 1630 in the hill fort of Shivneri, grew up observing how foreign fleets ruled the seas while Indian rulers remained largely focused on land warfare. His farsighted mind realized that a kingdom without a navy would forever remain vulnerable. He understood that controlling the coastline was as crucial as holding forts on land. Thus, he declared, “He who rules the sea is the ruler of the land.”

This vision marked the birth of India’s first structured and indigenous naval force.

Building the Maratha Navy

Shivaji’s efforts to establish a navy began around 1654, much before he was crowned Chhatrapati. He started by developing shipbuilding yards at strategic locations along the Konkan coast — particularly at Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Kolaba (Alibag), and Ratnagiri. These ports not only served as defensive outposts but also as ship construction centers where skilled local craftsmen, carpenters, and blacksmiths were employed.

Shipbuilding Technology

Shivaji’s navy comprised both warships and transport vessels, built using the finest teak and sal wood from the Sahyadri forests. His fleet included various types of ships:

Gurabs (Gallivats) – Light and fast ships used for patrol and attack.
Pals (Pal) – Medium-sized vessels for carrying soldiers and cargo.
Shibads and Tarandis – Heavy-duty ships designed for long voyages and transporting goods.
Manchwas and Hodi – Small boats used for nearshore combat and reconnaissance.

Unlike European ships powered mainly by sails, Maratha vessels were often equipped with both sails and oars, enabling better maneuverability in shallow waters and during monsoon winds.

Naval Forts: The Sea Guardians

Shivaji didn’t just rely on ships; he fortified his navy with a chain of sea forts, many of which still stand today as symbols of Maratha maritime glory.

Sindhudurg Fort – Constructed under the supervision of the great architect Hiroji Indulkar, Sindhudurg (meaning “Fort in the Sea”) near Malvan remains Shivaji’s most iconic naval fort. Built on an island, it took over three years and thousands of workers to complete. It housed freshwater wells, a hidden passage, and even a temple dedicated to Shivaji himself.
Vijaydurg Fort – Known as the “Gibraltar of the East,” Vijaydurg was the oldest and strongest of the sea forts. Its strategic location allowed control over sea routes and offered a natural harbor.
Kolaba Fort (Alibag) – Located near the mainland, Kolaba Fort served as a key base for launching naval operations against foreign ships.
Suvarnadurg and Khanderi – Smaller but strategically vital forts that acted as early-warning outposts and provided anchorage during storms.

Together, these forts formed an unbreakable defense chain that made it nearly impossible for invaders to land undetected on the Konkan coast.

Commanders and Naval Administration

Shivaji structured his navy with the same discipline and hierarchy as his land forces. The navy was headed by an officer known as the Daryasarang or Admiral, followed by subordinate officers managing different fleets and regions.

Among his famous naval commanders were:

Mai Nayak Bhandari – A fearless commander who led several successful operations against the Siddis of Janjira.
Daulat Khan – Another skilled seafarer who defended the Maratha coast against Portuguese attacks.
Kanhoji Angre – Though he rose to prominence later, during the reign of Shivaji’s descendants, Angre was a product of Shivaji’s naval vision. He became one of the greatest admirals in Indian maritime history, known as the “Lion of the Arabian Sea.”

Shivaji also maintained a clear distinction between the coastal defense navy and the merchant navy. While one focused on military operations, the other ensured safe trade and communication across the Konkan ports.

Wars and Naval Engagements

Shivaji’s navy was not merely defensive — it was actively used in combat. His naval forces frequently clashed with the Siddis of Janjira, who were powerful allies of the Mughals and had control over the island fort of Janjira, one of the strongest fortresses on the western coast.

Despite multiple attempts, Janjira remained unconquered during Shivaji’s lifetime, but his naval pressure restricted the Siddis’ expansion. He also took on the Portuguese, curbing their influence along the Konkan coast, and maintained a cautious but assertive relationship with the British at Bombay.

Shivaji’s naval fleet also engaged in commerce and patrolling missions, ensuring that no foreign power could impose taxes or piracy on Maratha-controlled waters.

Economic and Political Impact

The Maratha navy was not just a military asset — it was an economic revolution. Control of the sea allowed Shivaji to regulate trade, levy taxes on foreign merchants, and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities. By safeguarding merchant ships and fishing activities, he boosted maritime commerce, especially in ports like Rajapur and Dabhol.

Shivaji’s maritime strategy also helped unify the coastal belt under a single administration, bringing political stability and prosperity to the region. His emphasis on naval defense demonstrated an early understanding of geo-economic power, centuries before the concept became mainstream.

Legacy of Shivaji’s Navy

Though Shivaji passed away in 1680, his naval foundations endured for decades. Under the leadership of Kanhoji Angre, the Maratha Navy reached its peak in the early 18th century, dominating the western seas and defying even the British and Portuguese. Angre’s success was a direct continuation of Shivaji’s vision — proving how the Maratha Empire could challenge global maritime powers.

Unfortunately, after Angre’s death, internal conflicts weakened the navy, and with the rise of British dominance, the Maratha maritime legacy gradually faded. Yet, the spirit of Shivaji’s navy lives on in India’s modern naval identity.

Relevance Today

Modern India honors Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the Father of the Indian Navy. Every year, the Indian Navy celebrates “Navy Day” with tributes to his maritime foresight. The Navy’s Western Command headquarters in Mumbai houses statues and museums dedicated to Shivaji’s naval achievements, reminding the world that India’s maritime defense roots trace back to this visionary king.

His story continues to inspire India’s naval doctrine — emphasizing self-reliance, coastal security, and indigenous shipbuilding.

Conclusion

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not only a great warrior and ruler but also one of the earliest Indian strategists to grasp the importance of sea power. In an era when Indian rulers largely ignored the ocean, Shivaji dared to dream of maritime supremacy and made it a reality. His navy, forts, and commanders stand as testaments to his vision of an independent, self-sufficient India that could defend both its land and seas.

In many ways, Shivaji’s navy was not just a fleet — it was a declaration of sovereignty, innovation, and national pride that continues to echo across India’s coasts even today.