life and achievements of Kanhoji Angre (born 1669), a revered Maratha admiral often called the "Shivaji of the Seas." Born in the Konkan Region, Kanhoji learned seamanship from a young age, with his father, Tukoji, commanding the Suvarnadurg Fort under Shivaji Maharaj. At just 19 in 1698, he was appointed "Sarkhel" or Admiral of the Maratha fleet, given independent charge of a 150-mile coastline. Kanhoji faced numerous adversaries, including the English, Portuguese, Siddis, and Dutch. He strategically developed his navy using local resources and the expertise of fishermen. Though foreign powers labeled him a "daring pirate," the video emphasizes his role in defending Maratha territorial waters. His notable acts of bravery included capturing the British Governor Harvey's wife's vessel and releasing her for a large sum. He employed guerrilla tactics, staying close to the coast to surprise European ships, and successfully defeated a coalition of Siddi...
life and achievements of Kanhoji Angre (born 1669), a revered Maratha admiral often called the "Shivaji of the Seas."
Born in the Konkan Region, Kanhoji learned seamanship from a young age, with his father, Tukoji, commanding the Suvarnadurg Fort under Shivaji Maharaj. At just 19 in 1698, he was appointed "Sarkhel" or Admiral of the Maratha fleet, given independent charge of a 150-mile coastline.
Kanhoji faced numerous adversaries, including the English, Portuguese, Siddis, and Dutch. He strategically developed his navy using local resources and the expertise of fishermen. Though foreign powers labeled him a "daring pirate," the video emphasizes his role in defending Maratha territorial waters. His notable acts of bravery included capturing the British Governor Harvey's wife's vessel and releasing her for a large sum.
He employed guerrilla tactics, staying close to the coast to surprise European ships, and successfully defeated a coalition of Siddi, Mughal, and Portuguese forces. Kanhoji established dockyard facilities for building and arming his impressive fleet, which grew to include 10 grabs and 50 gallivats. By the early 18th century, he controlled the entire coast from Sawantwadi to Bombay, even mandating a payment ("Dustak") for vessels in Maratha waters.
Despite an initial treaty with the East India Company in 1713, Kanhoji resumed raids when a new President demanded unrestricted access. He remained unconquered until his death on July 4, 1729. Kanhoji never lost a battle against the British, nor did the Company ever seize any of his vessels at sea. He significantly extended Maratha sovereignty and emerged as the "Master of the Arabian Sea" from Surat to South Konkan, commanding hundreds of warships.
His legacy is honored today with the island where he operated for his last 21 years being named "Kanhoji Angre Island," and the Western Command of the Indian Navy being known as "INS Angre."
Comments
Post a Comment