Question

Which battleships were included in Shivaji Maharaj’s navy?
A) Gurab
B) Galbat
C) Pal
D) All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Shivaji Bhosale I, popularly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji, was an Indian monarch and a descendant of the Bhonsle Maratha family. The Maratha Empire was founded when Shivaji carved out an enclave from the fading Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur. At Raigad in 1674, he was formally crowned Chhatrapati (emperor) of his domain.

Complete answer:
Only Chhatrapati Shivaji understood the need of controlling the sea in order to resist the Europeans. Kanhoji Angre became Maharaj's supporter in order to help the Chhatrapati achieve his goal. Kanhoji Angre is said to have learnt the art of shipbuilding with the help of a Portuguese shipwright and created the groundwork for mediaeval India's most powerful navy. The importance of the powerful navy was first recognized by Chhatrapati Shivaji; the first quilla was set in a creek near Kalyan in about 1654.

Chhatrapati Shivaji was not your typical ruler; he foresaw the development of the Maratha navy, making him the first Indian ruler of mediaeval India to do so, extending his zone of influence from Dakkhan to the Arabian Sea. His daring experiments gave mediaeval India its own navy, establishing Chhatrapati Shivaji's claim to the title of "Father of Indian Navy."

The mission of Shivaji Maharaj was to construct many naval bases along today's Maharashtra coast. The Fleet was grouped under Admiral Bhandari, one by Daulet Khan, and two by Daulet Bhandari. The Maratha Navy consisted primarily of native Konkani navy men but was mostly led by Siddi and Portugal mercenaries. Hiring mercenaries in Maratha's military community was relatively usual, and the Navy did not make an exception.

The Surat Battle of 1664 was well-coordinated, in which the Maratha co-ordinated their army and navy. Around 1674, the portuguese at Goa noticed and recognised the naval force of the Maratha during the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj and sent their emissary with gifts to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; they concluded a friendship treaty.

The Maratha Navy was about five thousand men and 57 warships around that time. The Navy has about 85 various Gallipolis (warboats) ranging from 30 tonnes to 150 tonnes and 3 three-masted Gurabs/Grabs during its expedition to Karwar (now Karnataka) (warship)

There were four hundred ships of various kinds in Maharaja’s navy. They included battleships like gurab, galbat and pal. Therefore, the correct option is (D) All of the above.

Note: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj began construction of the naval forts of Khanderi and Colaba in Mumbai in 1678–79 to counter the Siddis of Janjira's alliance with the English East India Company. At the time of Shivaji Maharaj's death in April 1680, several forts were still under construction.