Father of Indian Navy.
Shivaji realized the importance of naval force, and he know how it will help make Swrajya, in its early stages and built a powerful navy for defence and as well as for capturing new horizon. He believed that it would help him keep foreign invaders-- Dutch, Portuguese and British-- and pirates at bay. Shivaji Maharaj built naval forts at Jaigarh, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and many other places and even had four different types of warships including Manjuhasm Pals, Gurabs and Gallibats. He is known as the father of the Indian Navy. In 1674, he laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire in Western India. 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 from the foreigns and take control over them.
Shivaji attacked the Portuguese led by Silvera, with a fleet of 85 warships and a naval force of 3,000 on 8 February, 1665, and defeated the Portuguese.There he came into contact with the Siddi, Portuguese and British powers on the Western Coast, Maharaj realised that in order to fight these powers, it was necessary to have a strong naval force. Therefore ,he concertrated on building a Strong Navy.
The new Navy ensign is inspired by Shivaji Maharaj, who had laid the foundation of the Indian naval fleet by building it from scratch while negotiating technology, and the prowess of the Portuguese and the British, who controlled the Indian coastlines in the 17th century.
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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.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.Kanhoji Angre became Maharaj’s support it is know that Kanhoji Angre with the help of a Portuguese craftsman who built ship learned the technique of building ship and laid the foundation for the mightiest navy of medieval india even an Indian Naval Ship being named after him.