Mai Nayak Bhandari – The Unsung Naval Commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Navy
Introduction
Indian history often glorifies the land battles fought by emperors and kings but seldom celebrates the maritime heroes who secured the seas. Among the earliest defenders of India’s western coastline stands a remarkable warrior — Mai Nayak Bhandari, one of the most trusted naval commanders of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A brave Koli leader from the Konkan region, Mai Nayak Bhandari played a decisive role in shaping India’s maritime defense during the 17th century. His name might not appear prominently in mainstream history books, but his contribution to India’s naval legacy is extraordinary and deeply intertwined with the birth of the Maratha Navy.
Early Life and Background
Mai Nayak Bhandari belonged to the Koli community, the original fisherfolk and seafarers of the western coast of Maharashtra. The Kolis were natural sailors — adept at navigating the Arabian Sea, fishing in turbulent waters, and protecting coastal villages from pirates and foreign invaders. It was from this maritime culture that Mai Nayak emerged as a skilled sailor, warrior, and leader.
The Kolis had long defended the Konkan coastline, and their maritime knowledge was invaluable. Recognizing this, Shivaji Maharaj recruited several Koli warriors into his navy, with Mai Nayak Bhandari emerging as one of the most capable among them. His expertise in sea navigation and shipbuilding, along with his courage, made him an indispensable asset in the formation of India’s first structured naval force.
Role in Shivaji Maharaj’s Navy
When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj envisioned “Swarajya” — a self-reliant and sovereign kingdom — he understood the necessity of controlling both land and sea. The coastal regions were constantly threatened by the Portuguese, Siddis of Janjira, and the British. To counter these foreign powers, Shivaji built a powerful navy — the first of its kind in India.
Mai Nayak Bhandari was one of the earliest commanders entrusted with this task. He played a crucial role in building naval forts, training sailors, and designing ships capable of both warfare and defense. His understanding of tides, winds, and sea routes gave the Marathas a significant advantage over foreign forces who underestimated local maritime capabilities.
Defense of the Konkan Coast
The Konkan coast, stretching from Mumbai to Goa, was a vital region for trade and defense. However, it was also vulnerable to attacks from the Siddis, Portuguese, and other sea raiders. Under Shivaji’s command, Mai Nayak Bhandari took charge of defending this coastline.
Using his fleet of agile warships known as “Gallivats” and “Gurabs”, he patrolled the seas and repelled numerous invasions. His strategic positioning of smaller, faster boats helped him navigate narrow creeks and bays, surprising enemy ships with guerrilla-style attacks. This form of naval guerrilla warfare, inspired by Shivaji’s land-based tactics, became a hallmark of the Maratha navy.
Bhandari’s navy not only protected local fishermen and traders but also disrupted the trade routes of foreign powers who sought to dominate the western coast. His mastery of the local terrain — from the rocky shores of Ratnagiri to the waters near Sindhudurg — made him a formidable opponent for any sea power.
Contribution to Sindhudurg Fort
One of the most enduring symbols of Shivaji’s naval vision is the Sindhudurg Fort, built off the coast of Malvan. It was constructed to serve as the naval headquarters and a defensive bastion against sea invasions.
Mai Nayak Bhandari, along with other Koli commanders, played a major role in supervising its construction and defense. Built under the guidance of Hiroji Indulkar, the fort’s design was ahead of its time, capable of housing hundreds of soldiers, storing food, ammunition, and ships. Bhandari’s men provided not only the labor and maritime expertise but also guarded the fort during its formative years.
Sindhudurg became a symbol of India’s indigenous naval engineering — and behind this success were warriors like Mai Nayak Bhandari who brought their seafaring skills and unwavering loyalty to Shivaji’s dream of maritime sovereignty.
Battle Against the Siddis of Janjira
The Siddis of Janjira, who controlled a heavily fortified island off the coast of Raigad, were one of Shivaji’s most persistent naval foes. Supported by the Mughals and armed with advanced weaponry, the Siddis posed a constant threat to the Maratha coast.
Mai Nayak Bhandari led several operations against the Siddis, aiming to weaken their dominance. His fleet engaged in multiple skirmishes, employing hit-and-run tactics that frustrated the enemy. While Janjira remained unconquered, these campaigns restricted the Siddis’ movement and protected Maratha territories from raids.
Bhandari’s fearless conduct during these battles earned him the admiration of his peers and the respect of Shivaji himself. His efforts were instrumental in establishing Maratha control over most of the coastal belt except for Janjira.
Maritime Innovation and Shipbuilding
Mai Nayak Bhandari was not merely a commander but also a maritime innovator. He contributed to the design and construction of indigenous warships that could match European vessels. The Maratha ships were smaller but faster, with the ability to maneuver close to the shore — something the larger Portuguese and British ships couldn’t do.
The use of Gallivats, light vessels manned by expert Koli sailors, revolutionized naval warfare in India. These ships could quickly change direction, attack suddenly, and retreat into shallow waters. Such tactical superiority allowed the Maratha navy to dominate the Konkan coast for decades.
Legacy and Historical Importance
Despite his immense contributions, Mai Nayak Bhandari remains an unsung hero of Indian history. His life exemplifies the valor of local warriors who laid the foundation for India’s maritime defense centuries before the British established their navy.
He represented the courage and maritime brilliance of the Koli community, who were among the earliest guardians of India’s coastline. His leadership under Shivaji Maharaj created a model of indigenous naval warfare rooted in knowledge of the sea, discipline, and patriotism.
Today, historians recognize Mai Nayak Bhandari as one of the earliest naval commanders who proved that India could defend its shores using local knowledge and technology. His contribution forms a vital chapter in the Maratha naval legacy, which later inspired the formation of the Indian Navy in independent India.
Conclusion
Mai Nayak Bhandari was more than a sailor; he was a pioneer of Indian naval power. As one of the trusted commanders of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he transformed the seas into a battlefield of freedom and sovereignty. His bravery safeguarded the Konkan coast, his leadership built the foundations of maritime warfare, and his loyalty helped realize Shivaji’s vision of a self-reliant “Swarajya.”
Though history has often overlooked him, Mai Nayak Bhandari’s spirit continues to live on in the waves of the Arabian Sea and in the proud heritage of the Indian Navy. His life is a testament to the strength, wisdom, and resilience of India’s coastal warriors — true sons of the soil who fought not for glory, but for their land and their king.
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