Shivaji's sea guerrilla army would attack and disappear into the sea, which troubled Aurangzeb

Won more than 300 forts, first victory at the age of 16

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a naval strategist as well as an expert in fort warfare. Shivaji Maharaj started conquering forts from Bijapur's Torna Fort at the age of less than 16. He acquired that fort by bribing the commander. Because of this fort, he clashed with Afzal Khan, the governor of the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur, whom he surprised everyone by tearing apart with Baghnakh. During the 35 years of his life, Shivaji conquered more than 300 forts. These forts played an important role in both land and sea defense. In 1674, he was formally crowned as the king of the Maratha Empire. He expanded his empire and included important parts of present-day Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
35 feet high statue of Shivaji Maharaj installed in Sindhudurg collapsed, PM Modi had unveiled it 8 months ago

The foundation of the Maratha Empire was laid by winning the Raigad fort

Born in 1630 at Shivneri Fort near Junnar in present-day Maharashtra, Shivaji won the Raigad Fort of Maharashtra, which was earlier known as Rairi. After winning this fort, Shivaji made it his capital. He was made the king of the Maratha Empire here in 1674. Shivaji Maharaj is known for his special military strategy, which includes the introduction of guerrilla warfare in the hilly areas of the Western Ghats, known as 'Ganimi Kava'.
Why did the 35 feet tall statue of Shivaji fall? Navy formed a team to investigate, Supriya Sule said- the contractor was from Thane

Protected the maritime borders through Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg

Shivaji Maharaj built many forts to protect the sea borders, one of which was Sindhudurg Fort located on the Malvan coast of Maharashtra. It was also an important naval base. This was one of the many naval forts built by Shivaji Maharaj to protect the Konkan coast. Shivaji also built Vijaydurg Fort on the Konkan coast in a similar way. Sea ships were built here.

3000 workers built Sindhudurg Fort in 3 years

Chhatrapati Shivaji laid the foundation of this fort on November 25, 1664. This fort was built on the Konkan coast under the supervision of Shivaji's commander Hiroji Indulkar. To make it impenetrable, Hiroji took the help of Portuguese engineers from Goa. The enemy could not enter this fort in any way. Today only its ruins are left. The beauty of high mountains and sea shores adds to the grandeur of this fort. The height of this fort spread over about 48 acres is 30 feet. All three walls of this fort are 12 feet thick, which used to be helpful in protecting from the Portuguese, British as well as the pirates of the Arabian Sea. It was built by more than 3000 laborers. At that time it was completed in three years. This fort was built to stop the invasion of the Dutch, French and Portuguese.

A fleet of 20 warships was built, which remained alert at all times

The first foundation of a Maratha naval base was laid near Kalyan in 1654. Over time, they built several naval bases and a fleet consisting of 20 warships, always ready for battle. It was commanded by local and foreign mercenaries, including the Portuguese and Siddis. Shivaji's fleet later grew to include at least 500 warships.

How did Shivaji's Marine Commandos fight in maritime guerrilla warfare?

Shivaji pioneered the concept of guerrilla warfare at sea, which involved launching surprise attacks on enemy ships and using fast-moving ships to lure the enemy into the sea. This tactic was designed to surprise the enemy, thereby gaining a strategic advantage. Shivaji, who built forts such as Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg, had a diverse naval fleet. The fleet included several ships such as the Gurab, Gallibat and Manjuhasam, which were used for surprise attacks and naval blockades.

The ships were hidden behind bays to deceive the enemy

Shivaji's Maratha navy never kept all its warships in one place. They were hidden in small groups behind sea bays and rocks. They were more agile and mobile to give a befitting reply to the enemy. This made it impossible for the enemy to guess when and from where the attack would come.

Shivaji's sea commandos would attack the enemy and disappear into the sea

Ranjit Desai, author of the book 'The Great Maratha', has written that Shivaji Maharaj used the guerrilla warfare style to successfully fight against the Mughal army. The word guerrilla means 'small group'. Shivaji had prepared a small but always alert fighting Maratha army according to the geographical conditions of the hilly areas. Shivaji's naval army used the same method at sea. It would hide in the bay and suddenly attack the enemy's naval fleet and destroy it and then disappear. This contingent protected the western coastal areas of Hindustan from pirates and Siddis.

How did this army, which also included Muslims, work?

According to author Dennis Kincaid in the book 'The Grand Rebel', the guerrilla army was adept at moving quickly and attacking suddenly. They would attack the Mughal army in ground battles in small groups and immediately return to the mountains and hide. Attacking by stealth at night was also a specialty of these warriors. At that time Shivaji's army did not have artillery, so these warriors used swordsmanship and small arms. The Mughal army, troubled by the guerrilla warfare style, became completely helpless. It also included local tribal Muslims and Pathans, who used to be very combative.

Naval tactics are both offensive and defensive

Shivaji hired Portuguese sailors to gain expertise in naval battles. He also diversified his navy by inducting Muslim mercenaries who were adept at such battles. The primary purpose of Shivaji's navy was to defend the long coastline of the Maratha territory and protect trade routes. His naval strategy was not only offensive but also defensive, aimed at creating a safe maritime environment.

Shivaji's fleet was equipped with navigation systems and artillery

According to the book The Great Maratha, Shivaji Maharaj also used his navy as a tool for diplomacy. He participated in strategic alliances and treaties to enhance his naval capabilities, thereby increasing the geopolitical influence of the Maratha Empire. He had no hesitation in adopting the naval technology of the time. His fleet was equipped with advanced navigation systems and artillery, making him invincible in naval battles. One of his important naval conflicts was against the Siddis of Janjira Island off the Konkan coast, whom he defeated with the might of his navy.

The British adopted Shivaji's naval strategy

When the British ruled India, they initially focused on protecting their trade routes and combating piracy, which led to the establishment of the Bombay Marine in the 17th century. Its main task was to protect British merchant ships in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The British integrated their navy, which later became the Bombay Marine, the Royal Indian Marine, and eventually the Royal Indian Navy in 1934. It played an important role during the Second World War. Shivaji was the first person to understand the strategic importance of a strong navy to protect the coastline and trade routes. This is also where the foundation of the Indian Navy was laid.