New History of the Marathas v1.c9.52

v1.c9.52

This many-sided activity of Shivaji discloses his singular capacity. His vigilant eye roamed everywhere far and near. Early in his career he visualized the necessity of a strong navy with suitable bases for its location to protect his newly-formed kingdom. The first naval fort he built was Vijayadurg which was commenced in 1653, the next was Suvarnadurg constructed in 1660, Sindhudurg or Malvan came into being in 1664, and the last great naval post was Kolaba which he finished just before his death in 1680. It is obvious from this that Shivaji’s naval effort was both earnest and continuous, and in his opinion the most valuable means of protecting and expanding his kingdom. Says Dr. Sen⁴:--