The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c15.3

c15.3

The principal commander of Shivaji’s fleet, as has been stated, were mostly Musulmans; but apparently the prospects of the sea-service had quickly attracted ambitious Maratha youths, and early in Sambhaji’s reign Santaji Pavla, Govindaji Jadhav and Govind Kanho had earned some reputation as naval officers,¹ though Mai Naik, Daulat Khan and Sidi Misri still directed the destinies of the Maratha fleet. But before Sambhaji’s downfall a Maratha Admiral, competent to assume the responsibilities of the Commander-in-Chief, had already been found in Bhim Rao, otherwise known as Sidoji Gujar. Kanhoji Angria was one of his lieutenants.