Administrative System of the Marathas c21.s1.1

c21.s1.1

The Maratha was more familiar with the rugged hills of his native land than with the stormy sea that washed its broken coast. But the genius of Shivaji had early perceived the importance of naval power not only as an effective arm of war, but also as an instrument for the extension of oversea trade. Scott Waring says, "Sevajee in his irregular incursions into the Konkan had beheld with admiration the powerful settlements, for so they must have appeared to him, which had been formed upon the coast. He aspired to participate in so profitable a commerce and while spreading his ravages throughout Konkan, found leisure to add to the fortifications of Rajapoor, Seven-droog and Colaba." And again, "Sevajee from the commencement of his power had justly estimated the value of the maritime possessions and the greater part of his attention had been directed to the attainment of so desirable an object. The completion of his plans was entrusted to Moropant his principal minister." Although he had enough to do on land, he succeeded in organising a fleet, and a Muhammadan officer was placed in charge of Shivaji's navy. It accomplished very little excepting some fighting with the Siddis. In 1670 a large Portuguese ship was captured near Daman by the Maratha fleet.