Who Was Kanhoji Angre?

Kanhoji Angre: The Maratha Admiral Who Defied European Powers

Kanhoji Angre, often hailed as the “Shivaji of the Sea,” was a formidable naval commander of the Maratha Empire during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He played a pivotal role in establishing Maratha dominance over the Arabian Sea, and his naval prowess not only defied the might of European powers but also laid the foundation for maritime security along the western coast of India. While European colonial forces were expanding their influence, Angre’s bold tactics and indomitable spirit ensured that Maratha sovereignty in the region remained unchallenged. His legacy as a pioneering naval leader makes him one of the unsung heroes of Indian history.

Early Life and Background

Kanhoji Angre was born in 1669 in the coastal Konkan region of Maharashtra. The Angre family, belonging to the Koli caste, were traditionally involved in maritime activities, including fishing and navigation. Kanhoji’s father, Tukaji Angre, served under Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha king, and it was from this association that Kanhoji learned the nuances of naval warfare and maritime strategies. His early exposure to the sea and its importance in trade and defense shaped his future as a naval commander.

During Kanhoji’s youth, the Indian subcontinent was a battleground for European colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British, who sought control over the lucrative trade routes of the Indian Ocean. The Marathas, under the leadership of Shivaji and later his successors, recognized the importance of securing their coasts against these foreign invaders. It was in this context that Kanhoji Angre emerged as a key figure in safeguarding Maratha interests.

Rise to Power and Naval Strategy

Kanhoji Angre’s rise to prominence began in the late 1690s when he took command of the Maratha navy. He operated from his base in Vijaydurg, a strategically located fortress along the Konkan coast. This natural harbor, fortified by high cliffs and strong defenses, served as the perfect base for his naval operations. Angre soon began launching attacks on European merchant ships that ventured into Maratha-controlled waters without permission.

His approach to naval warfare was characterized by the use of swift, maneuverable ships known as ghurabs and galivats. These vessels, though smaller than European ships, were highly effective in close combat and could easily outmaneuver the large, cumbersome European frigates. Angre’s fleet excelled in surprise attacks, often launching night raids on unsuspecting enemy ships. His intimate knowledge of the coastal terrain allowed him to launch swift, targeted strikes and retreat to safety before European forces could respond.

Kanhoji Angre’s naval strategy also involved imposing a chauth, or tax, on ships passing through Maratha waters. Ships that refused to pay were either seized or sunk. This tactic not only enriched the Maratha treasury but also asserted their authority over the Arabian Sea. European powers, including the British East India Company, were forced to negotiate with Angre to ensure the safety of their trade vessels.

Challenges from European Powers

Throughout his career, Kanhoji Angre was a thorn in the side of European powers, particularly the British and the Portuguese. His control over the western coast of India made it difficult for European traders to operate freely. The British, in particular, viewed Angre as a significant threat to their interests in India and launched several attempts to capture or defeat him.

In 1717, the British East India Company, in alliance with the Portuguese, launched a massive naval campaign to destroy Angre’s fleet and capture his fortress at Vijaydurg. However, the campaign ended in failure, as Angre’s forces repelled the attack and inflicted heavy losses on the European coalition. This victory solidified his reputation as a naval commander who could stand up to the might of European forces.

The British made further attempts to negotiate with Angre, offering him money and titles in exchange for cooperation. However, Angre remained steadfast in his refusal to align with the colonial powers. He viewed them as interlopers in Indian waters and believed that the sovereignty of the Marathas should not be compromised. This uncompromising stance made him a symbol of Maratha resistance against European dominance.

Legacy of Kanhoji Angre’s Naval Empire

Kanhoji Angre’s reign as the commander of the Maratha navy spanned nearly four decades, from the late 1690s until his death in 1729. During this time, he transformed the Maratha navy into a formidable force that not only protected the western coast but also challenged the supremacy of European navies in the Indian Ocean. His influence extended from Gujarat in the north to Goa in the south, and he effectively controlled the sea lanes along the entire western coast of India.

Angre’s contributions to maritime security were instrumental in ensuring that the Marathas remained a significant power in the region. His success in thwarting European efforts to dominate the Arabian Sea served as a powerful reminder that Indian rulers could resist colonial expansion through strategic planning and naval prowess.

Kanhoji Angre also fostered a sense of independence among the coastal communities of Maharashtra. Under his leadership, the Konkan region became a hub of maritime activity, and the local population gained confidence in their ability to protect their interests against foreign invaders. His naval operations laid the groundwork for a tradition of seafaring that would continue in the region for centuries to come.

Enduring Impact on Indian Naval History

Kanhoji Angre’s legacy as a pioneering figure in Indian naval history is often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives, which tend to focus on land-based battles and rulers. However, his contributions to maritime defense were just as crucial in resisting colonial encroachment. His naval campaigns demonstrated the importance of a strong navy in securing a nation’s borders and protecting its trade routes.

In recognition of his contributions, the Indian Navy has named several naval establishments and ships after Kanhoji Angre. The INS Angre, a naval base in Mumbai, serves as a tribute to his enduring impact on Indian naval strategy. His name continues to inspire generations of naval officers who view him as a symbol of courage, independence, and strategic brilliance.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite his many successes, Kanhoji Angre’s tactics were not without controversy. European powers often labeled him a pirate, accusing him of disrupting legitimate trade and using brutal methods to enforce his authority. These accusations, however, fail to acknowledge the context in which Angre operated. The European colonial powers themselves engaged in exploitative practices, and Angre’s actions were largely a response to their attempts to dominate Indian waters.

Kanhoji Angre’s imposition of chauth on merchant ships was a common practice among Indian rulers at the time, and it was a legitimate means of asserting sovereignty over coastal waters. His critics, primarily European traders and colonial officials, often exaggerated his methods to justify their own aggressive actions in Indian waters.

Conclusion: The Maritime Maverick

Kanhoji Angre remains a towering figure in the history of Indian naval warfare. His ability to defy European colonial powers, protect Maratha interests, and establish control over the Arabian Sea marked him as one of the most formidable naval commanders of his time. His life and legacy continue to be a source of inspiration for Indians, particularly in the context of India’s naval traditions.

In an era when India faces increasing geopolitical challenges in the Indian Ocean region, Angre’s example serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime strength and vigilance. His unwavering commitment to protecting Maratha sovereignty and his refusal to bow to foreign pressure embody the spirit of resistance that defines India’s long struggle for independence.

Though often overshadowed by more famous land-based military figures, Kanhoji Angre’s contributions to India’s naval history deserve recognition and appreciation. He was not just a pirate or a rebel; he was a visionary leader who understood the importance of securing India’s seas to protect its land.