Chhatrapati Shivaji , known as the Father of the Indian Navy, was the first to recognize the significance of a naval force and built forts to defend the Konkan region of Maharashtra. He was referred to as the 'Mountain Rat' and gained widespread recognition for his guerrilla warfare methods. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, is widely celebrated for his military genius, administrative acumen, and deep patriotism. Among his many remarkable achievements, one of the most visionary and less-discussed is his creation of a powerful naval force — a feat that established India’s first modern navy. Long before the British or Portuguese dominated the seas, Shivaji recognized the strategic importance of maritime power and built a naval fleet that could ... On February 19, 2025, India commemorates the 395th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Learn about his early life, military strategies, administrative reforms, and major battles that shaped the Maratha Empire. Shivaji (1627/30–1680) was the founder of the Maratha kingdom of India. He reigned as its king from 1674 to 1680. His kingdom’s security was based on religious toleration and on the functional integration of the Brahmans, Marathas, and Prabhus.
