SHIVAJI - FOUNDER OF INDIAN NAVY The founder of the Maratha Kingdom, Shivaji was born to be a natural leader and fighter on 19th February, 1630. Chhatrapati Shivaji was one of the bravest, most progressive and sensible rulers of India. The founder of the Maratha Kingdom, Shivaji was born to be a natural leader and fighter on 19th February, 1630 in the prestigious Shivneri Fort. Till date, the day is celebrated as Shiv Jayanti with great rigour and traditional style by Maharashtrians. Shivaji established a royal name for himself in history with his administrative skills by upholding the Swarajya values and the Maratha heritage. He was known for his bravery and tactics with which he won numerous wars against the Mughals. He is Known as the Father of Indian Navy, Shivaji was the first to realise the importance of having a naval force, and therefore he strategically established a navy and forts at the coastline to defend the Konkan side of Maharashtra. The Jaigad, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and other such forts still stand to testify his efforts and ideas.The Maratha ruler Chhattrapati Shivaji is commonly credited for laying the foundations of the Indian navy. His naval bases around the coastal areas of modern day Maharashtra commanded by both Hindu and Muslim admirals are known to have defeated the Portuguese and the English invaders on several occasions. Maratha Warrior Admiral Kanhoji Angre’s exploits between the 17 and 18th century find a special mention in history, with even an Indian Naval Ship being named after him.The earliest records of India’s maritime history are found in the Vedic literature, but the first instances of naval wars are only found during the Cholas reign over southern India.Shivaji died within less than two months after this clash. It is significant that the last major battle of his was a naval engagement against the English. Had he lived he would have given greater weight to the building of the navy and concentrated on the coastal areas. The Marathas had begun trade with Muscat. The main trading commodity was salt. Shivaji also attempted to establish a monopoly in the betel nut trade. He was obviously eyeing the lucrative trade in spices. Already, after his expedition to the south, he dominated most of the western coast. His death gave a totally different direction to Indian history since it was a signal for the ambitious Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb to come south to finish off the Marathas. A conquest that had eluded all the earlier Mughal emperors. In the life and death struggle against the Mughal empire, the Marathas had no time to spare for the threat posed by the English. For the next 70 years there was relative peace between the English and the Marathas.The English failed to take much advantage of the weak position of the Marathas as a very able seaman, Kanhoji Angrey, had taken charge of the Maratha navy by then and he soon built up his strength to such an extent that the English reluctantly paid him taxes and his 'pass' was needed for a safe passage in the western sea. .