Book Review: The Legacy of Shivaji The Great: Military Strategy, Naval Supremacy and the Maratha Empire by Col Anil Athale -PART 1

 

 

 

Col Anil Athale's The Legacy of Shivaji The Great: Military Strategy, Naval Supremacy and the Maratha Empire is an illuminating study that delves deep into the multifaceted military prowess of one of India's most revered historical figures, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This book stands out for its detailed analysis and engaging narrative, making it an essential read for history enthusiasts and military strategists alike.

 

 

 

 

 

Athale meticulously breaks down Shivaji's military strategies, showcasing how he revolutionized warfare in the Indian subcontinent. The author emphasizes Shivaji's innovative use of guerrilla tactics, fortification, and intelligence, which allowed the Marathas to out manoeuvre and defeat much larger and better-equipped armies. Through vivid descriptions and well-researched accounts, Athale paints a picture of a leader who was always a step ahead of his enemies, using terrain and surprise to his advantage.

 

 

 

The British conquest of India is often romanticized as a victory over the Mughal Empire. However, a more accurate historical narrative reveals that the Marathas, not the Mughals, were the dominant force in much of India for nearly three decades. Their military prowess, political acumen, and cultural influence were instrumental in shaping the Indian subcontinent.

 

 

 

The Marathas, led by legendary figures like Shivaji and his son Sambhaji, engaged in numerous battles with the British, often with considerable success. The Battle of Wadgaon, where Maratha General Mahadji Shinde defeated the British forces, is a testament to their military capabilities. Their expansion into regions like Orissa and Bengal further solidified their position as a formidable power.

 

 

 

Even the British themselves acknowledged the formidable nature of the Maratha Empire. General Wellesley, renowned for his victories over Napoleon, considered the Battle of Assaye against the Marathas to be one of the most challenging of his career. This recognition underscores the Marathas' military prowess and strategic acumen.

 

 

 

The prolonged Muslim rule of India, which began in the 13th century, had a significant impact on the region's culture and society. Restrictive practices for women, midnight marriage ceremonies, and the spread of fatalism were some of the consequences of this period. Additionally, the ancient history of India was largely supplanted by the court historians of Delhi.

 

 

 

The rise of the Marathas under Shivaji's leadership ignited the flames of early Indian nationalism. Shivaji's vision of a united, self-governing India, known as "Hindavi Swarajya," inspired countless others to fight for their independence. His efforts to revive ancient Indian culture through initiatives like the Rajya Vyavahar Kosh were also crucial in shaping the nation's identity.

 

 

 

While the British faced the Marathas, they also confronted other adversaries such as the Sikhs and Gorkhas. However, the British often portrayed these groups in a more favorable light, emphasizing their loyalty and support. In contrast, the Marathas were often depicted as rebellious and disruptive.

 

 

 

 

 

From 1682 to 1707, the Marathas played a crucial role in preventing India from meeting the same fate as Persia, which had succumbed to imperial invasions. During this period, Maharashtra, which had enjoyed peace since the defeat of the Yadavas of Devagiri by Alauddin Khilji in 1293, saw resistance rise from within.

 

 

 

Muslim rule during this time was largely confined to cities, leaving remote and mountainous regions, such as those occupied by local jagirdars, relatively unaffected. These areas, particularly the hill regions of western Maharashtra, became hotbeds of resistance. Shivaji's loyal forces, known as the Mavale, hailed from these rugged terrains and were known for their unwavering dedication and resilience.

 

 

 

Muslim invasions spurred the rise of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra, which fostered unity beyond caste boundaries. Saints like Sant Dnyaneshwar (1275-1296), the first of the Warkari saints, spread the message of universal humanism, making society more cohesive. Sant Tukaram, a contemporary of Shivaji, further strengthened Indian philosophy through his devotional poetry.

 

 

 

Saints like Samarth Ramdas openly advocated rebellion against Muslim tyranny. These saint-poets not only promoted the Marathi language, uniting people across castes but also awakened a sense of resistance.

 

 

 

Maharashtra did not have a well-defined Kshatriya class. Instead, part-time soldiers from middle-caste land tillers took up arms after Dussehra, a tradition unique to this region. This, combined with the cultural awakening spurred by the saints, created a strong social cohesion. The absence of a warrior caste allowed talent and hard work to propel individuals like Shinde, Gaikwad, Angrey, and Holkar to the top of the Maratha hierarchy.

 

 

 

The Mahars, played a vital role in Shivaji's army as village guards, intelligence gatherers, and communicators, known as Harkaray. Their service was instrumental in maintaining the Maratha empire's internal security and communication networks.

 

 

 

Shivaji was born in 1630 to Shahji, who frequently shifted allegiances between the Sultans of Bijapur and Ahmednagar. Shivaji's military genius was displayed early on when he defeated Afzal Khan and led a daring commando raid on the Mughal camp in Pune, earning widespread respect.

 

 

 

Shivaji laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire with the guiding principles of "Dev, Desh, Dharma" (God, country, faith). He employed guerrilla warfare tactics, relying on ambushes and raids to compensate for his smaller forces. His control of 432 mountain forts served as a base for his mobile forces, and his extensive spy network, led by Bahirji Naik, provided timely intelligence.

 

 

 

Shivaji divided his forces into mobile columns, exploiting the Mughal vulnerabilities by targeting their supply lines. His sound administration garnered popular support and ensured a steady flow of intelligence. Moreover, Shivaji was strategic in his diplomacy, ensuring he never faced both the Mughals and the Sultan of Bijapur simultaneously.

 

 

 

In the Battle of Pratapgarh (10/11/1659), Shivaji demonstrated his innovative military strategy by following up victories with relentless offensive action. The beheading of Afzal Khan destroyed the myth of Muslim battlefield superiority, much like India's victory over Pakistan in 2004.

 

 

 

Shivaji forced his enemies to fight on his terms, a tactic exemplified in his midnight raid on Shaiste Khan’s forces in Pune. Despite overwhelming odds, Shivaji's soldiers created confusion by tying torches to bullocks' horns, allowing Shivaji to escape to Sinhagad fort. Later, in 1666, Shivaji's escape from house arrest in Agra after being confined by Aurangzeb enhanced his stature as a national hero.

 

 

 

Shivaji's strategic foresight extended to naval warfare. By 1680, the Maratha navy boasted 45 large ships, 150 twin-sail vessels, and numerous smaller boats, ensuring control of the western coastline. His coronation in 1674 formalized his role as the leader of the Marathas, and he continued to strengthen the empire by establishing a professional, full-time army.

 

 

 

Shivaji's reluctance to rely on infantry and his inability to establish a weapons industry were some of the challenges he faced. However, his relentless offensive strategies, emphasis on political objectives in warfare, and vision of pan-Indian Hindu unity laid the groundwork for future Maratha victories. His successors fought and eventually defeated Aurangzeb's forces after a prolonged 25-year conflict.

 

 

 

Shivaji’s reign ended in 1680, but his legacy continued. He foresaw the threat posed by the English, and the Marathas later engaged the British in naval warfare. Admiral Kanhoji Angrey's leadership kept the English at bay on the western coast, securing Maratha dominance in the region. Without Shivaji's efforts, the subcontinent might have become part of a continuous Islamic belt stretching from Morocco to Indonesia.

 

 

 

Shivaji was a visionary leader who discarded outdated military practices like war elephants and adopted a relentless offensive strategy. His foresight, strategic brilliance, and ability to unite a diverse society left an indelible mark on Indian history, ensuring his legacy as one of the most formidable rulers of the 17th century.

 

 

 

 

 

Shivaji's eldest son, Sambhaji, was captured by Mughal forces in 1689. He was brutally executed in March 1689 near the banks of the Bhima River, close to Pune. Following his capture, Shivaji’s second son, Rajaram, managed to escape to the fortified town of Jinji in the southernmost parts of India, ensuring the Maratha resistance continued.

 

 

 

Sambhaji's wife, Yesubai, and their young son, Shahu, were captured by the Mughals and spent the next 18 years imprisoned. Despite this setback, the Marathas maintained their fighting spirit, with the subsequent war becoming one of the most significant chapters in Indian history, often regarded as a "people's war" against the Mughal Empire.

 

 

 

After Rajaram’s death in 1700, his widow, Queen Tarabai, assumed leadership and continued the fight against the Mughals with unwavering determination. Her role during this period was crucial in keeping the Maratha resistance alive.

 

 

 

Under Rajaram's reign, the Marathas faced mounting pressure and a lack of resources. To sustain the war effort, Rajaram had to reintroduce land grants, which had been discontinued by Shivaji. This led to the rise of powerful Sardars (feudal lords), resulting in diminished central authority, which became a challenge for the Maratha state.

 

 

 

The Marathas, short of resources, resorted to looting Mughal territories. While these raids were effective in weakening Mughal forces, they also caused immense suffering to local populations, resulting in the Marathas losing support outside Maharashtra. This marked a significant contrast to the more disciplined conduct of Shivaji’s time.

 

 

 

Maharashtra's lack of mineral wealth, combined with a cultural emphasis on cavalry over infantry, hindered the development of firearms. This strategic oversight would prove costly in the years to come, especially when the Marathas faced the English, who had already begun to shift the focus of their military toward infantry, which was becoming the dominant force on the battlefield.

 

 

 

In 1708, Shahu, the grandson of Shivaji, was crowned as Chhatrapati at Satara after his release from Mughal captivity. Five years later, in 1713, Balaji Vishwanath secured the position of Peshwa (Prime Minister) from Shahu, marking the beginning of hereditary Peshwa rule in the Maratha Empire.

 

 

 

Under Shahu’s reign, the tightly controlled Maratha state that Shivaji had established transformed into a confederacy. The powerful Maratha leaders—Scindia (Shinde), Holkar, Gaikwad, and Pawar—reported to the Peshwa, while Sarkhel Angrey (Navy Chief) and Sena Subha Bhonsle (Military Chief) reported directly to the Chhatrapati.

 

 

 

In 1720, Bajirao I became Peshwa, and he transformed the Maratha military into a highly mobile, cavalry-based fighting force. His swift-moving cavalry struck fear into enemies and captured the popular imagination in Maharashtra. Bajirao's tactics inspired leaders such as Yashwant Holkar in 1804-05 and Tatya Tope during the 1857 Indian Rebellion.

 

 

 

Before Bajirao’s campaigns, it was a rare occurrence for victorious armies to travel from south to north, with one notable exception during the reign of Pulakeshin II in 606 CE. Bajirao’s successes were a reversal of the norm, demonstrating the growing power of the Marathas.

 

 

 

Nadir Shah's invasion in 1740 further weakened the already crumbling Mughal Empire. By the time of his departure, the empire’s influence had shrunk, and its jurisdiction was largely confined to the city of Delhi, marking the end of Mughal dominance in India.

 

 

 

The Marathas' decision to let the British off the hook after the Battle of Wadgaon in 1779 and their failure to capitalize on their military advantages in subsequent battles were strategic errors that ultimately contributed to their downfall. These missteps allowed the British to consolidate their power and eventually establish their dominance in India.

 

 

 

The Maratha Empire played a pivotal role in shaping the history of India. Their military prowess, cultural contributions, and political vision were instrumental in inspiring early Indian nationalism. However, due to a combination of historical factors, their legacy has often been overlooked. It is essential to rectify this historical injustice and recognize the significant contributions of the Marathas to India's rich heritage.

 

 

 

 

Athale also provides a broader context by examining the expansion of the Maratha Empire after Shivaji's death. He highlights how Shivaji's successors built upon his legacy, expanding their territory and influence. The book delves into the administrative and socio-political reforms initiated by Shivaji, which laid a strong foundation for the empire's sustainability and growth. Athale's analysis of the Maratha Empire's resilience and adaptability offers valuable insights into its enduring legacy.

 

"The Legacy of Shivaji The Great: Military Strategy, Naval Supremacy, and the Maratha Empire" by Col Anil Athale is an outstanding contribution to the understanding of Shivaji's military genius and his lasting impact on Indian history. Athale's thorough research, engaging narrative, and insightful analysis make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the life and accomplishments of this legendary warrior king.

 

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