Tides Of Triumph: A Saga Of Maratha Courage And Cultural Pride

News18

17-07-2025

Last Updated:
The book explores various themes related to the maritime achievements of the Marathas following the establishment of the Maratha Navy by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1659.
UNESCO has recently recognised the Maratha Military landscapes of India as a World Heritage site. This prestigious acknowledgment includes twelve majestic forts, with eleven located in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. PM Narendra Modi expressed his elation on X, stating that every Indian is thrilled with this recognition. He remarked, 'When we speak of the glorious Maratha Empire, we associate it with good governance, military strength, cultural pride, and emphasis on social welfare." PM Modi rightly pointed out that these Maratha forts, from Raigad to Gingee, narrate the saga of Maratha courage and cultural pride, inspiring generations. While a comprehensive account of the Maratha Navy and its exploits is still sparse, what remains hidden in the layers of history is gradually being unveiled.
A few scholars have delved into the structure, function, and exploits of the Maratha Navy, with BK Apte being the most prominent among them. Renowned historians like Jadunath Sarkar and Surendranath Sen have discussed the Maratha Navy in their monographs. A nationalistic approach to understanding the career of Maratha Admiral Kanhoji Angre was taken by Malgaonkar. Under Admiral Angre's leadership, the Maratha Navy made European fleets appear insignificant in the Konkan waters, and his exploits are noted in some European works, notably those of GA Ballard and John Bidulph.
This book answers the question of why the Maratha Navy did not possess large ships capable of broadside attacks. The maritime forts were crucial for their function like stationary ships armed with artillery. These fortifications served multiple purposes—they safeguarded trading routes, provided bases for naval operations, and acted as deterrents against invasions from sea-based powers. The essay highlights salient features of fort architecture, including elements specifically designed for maritime defence. These features include high walls resistant to cannon fire, strategically placed artillery, intricate systems for storing fresh water, and hidden underwater obstructions to damage enemy ships that ventured too close. Centuries later, twelve Maratha forts have become UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Maritime History Society in Mumbai took the initiative to uncover the inside story of the Maratha Navy. The year 2024 marks the 350th anniversary of a defining moment in Indian history: the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Swarajya. This event signifies the emergence of the Marathas as a regional power during the era of Mughal imperialism. The legacy of the Maratha Swarajya and its leaders continues to resonate in many aspects of our country's social and cultural life. There could not have been a better occasion to start working on a book that honours the achievements of the Maratha Navy and celebrates its legacy than Navy Day. The Director of the Maritime History Society in Mumbai initiated several rounds of discussions with Professor Dr Amarendra Kumar in the Department of History at Shanti Niketan, leading to the decision to compile essays exploring diverse aspects of the Maratha Navy.
Shivaji uniquely realised the significance of the sea for both defence and trade—especially when the Maratha Swarajya was still in its infancy, and the Maratha Navy was being built brick by brick. According to the author, this underscores Shivaji's sharp acumen and visionary genius. The indigenous navy he created continues to be an enduring source of inspiration for the twenty-first-century Indian Navy, as reflected in the Navy's 2022 dedication of its emblem to Shivaji's Royal Octagonal Seal. The Indian Navy's ensign, inspired by the octagonal Royal Seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, embodies a proud nation's dedication to one of the most significant chapters of its maritime legacy.
The legacy of the Maratha Navy is explored in one of the essays in the collection ' Tides of Triumph," which examines various themes related to the maritime achievements of the Marathas following the establishment of the Maratha Navy by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1659. The book, authored by leading scholars, traces the rise and consolidation of the Maratha Navy. The combined deployment of land and sea power is analysed, and attempts are made to demystify the persona and character of the legendary Maratha Naval chief Kanhoji Angre.
top videos
View all
One of the essays draws parallels between Maratha naval strategy and India's post-Independence wars. This approach mirrors the operational success of the Indian Navy's Operations Trident and Python during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Just as the Marathas effectively utilised diverse vessels, the Indian Navy demonstrated how a strategic blend of capabilities could lead to mission success. To execute the offensives against the Pakistani coast, INS Kiltan and Katchall towed the smaller Vidyut-class missile boats—INS Nipat, Nirghat, and Veer—right up to Karachi for bombardment and accomplished the mission objectives.
In conclusion, the book effectively presents various evidence highlighting the glorious naval traditions of the Maratha Swarajya. The contributors of the essays have contextualised and clearly articulated the diverse aspects of the Maratha Navy, which dominated during the mid-seventeenth and mid-eighteenth centuries. The legacy of the Maratha Navy endures.
view comments
First Published:
News opinion Book Review | Tides Of Triumph: A Saga Of Maratha Courage And Cultural Pride
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.