Ganimi Kava Shivaji Maharaj art of guerrilla warfare

 Shivaji Maharaj's strategies and the art of guerrilla warfare continue to resonate even today, providing a means for safeguarding the nation.  In this article, I present my research essay on Shivaji Maharaj's strategies, battle tactics, and the concept of asymmetric warfare. The discussions during the conference covered topics such as Shivaji Maharaj's civic administration and governance, revenue collection and taxation systems, safety and empowerment of women in his realm, respect for women, their well-being, his military strategies, guerrilla warfare, tactics, management of armed forces, weaponry, and naval strategies. During his time, adversaries included the Mughal Empire, Adil Shahi, Qutb Shahi, internal enemies opposing the nation, and current adversaries such as China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maoist insurgents, and their internal anti-national activities.

Shivaji Maharaj Army guerrilla warfare Ganimi Kava

The armies of the Mughal and Aurangzeb were at their peak strength during that time. Years of ruling led to these armies becoming oppressive, tyrannical, and excessively authoritative. The number of mercenary soldiers increased, leading to varied perspectives, weakened unity, and a lack of strong relationships among them. A larger number of troops were employed for defense. Hence, in offensive actions, 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers could be mobilized. The Mughal armies were primarily stationed in cities. They were dependent on their families, the market, non-combatant soldiers, and suppliers. The daily provision for horses was 6 kg of grain and for soldiers, it was 2 kg of grain, creating a higher demand for market goods. This resulted in increased support for non-combatant soldiers. In terms of armament, roads, elephants, horses, camels, and camels for transport were required. Crossing rivers and streams proved to be challenging. The army's movement speed was about 30 km per day. Two rest days were given every week. Battle days and the timing of battles were determined based on astrological predictions. To secure the conquered land was difficult; hence, Shivaji Maharaj emphasized the need for an army. Communication through letters and messages was facilitated by horse messengers. Medical treatment for wounded soldiers suffered from a shortage of hakims (physicians).

Mughal Army's Attack Strategy

The army's formation consisted of three divisions: the first being the artillery, the second a division, and the third the main army. Flanking attacks were directed at the horsemen, followed by hand-to-hand combat to create chaos in the enemy's ranks. Mogul forts were systematically besieged. Deception and strategic maneuvering were used to capture them. If this was not possible, the enemy was engaged from all sides, followed by an attack on the fort's weak points and breaching the defenses. To capture the Purandar fort, the Mughals took four months. However, Tanaji Malusare succeeded in capturing the Kondhana fort in a single night's surprise attack.

Shivaji Maharaj's Army

The foundation of Shivaji Maharaj's army was laid by 3000-4000 soldiers. During his coronation, there were 45,000 infantry, 60,000 cavalry, totaling 105,000 horsemen, and 60,000 foot soldiers. The infantry was agile, skilled, and had remarkable speed. Maharaj's personal bodyguards numbered two thousand and were highly skilled and valiant. There were no restrictions on the speed of the army. The marketplaces were not threatened. The soldiers moved swiftly through long corridors and could initiate sudden movements. During battles, every citizen was to arm themselves and all soldiers, including the covert ones, were engaged in work. Swords and spears were the primary weapons. The use of artillery reduced the pace of movement. Artillery was mainly employed for attacking forts and naval boats. The main objective of the forts was to keep an eye on the neighboring territories. Important forts were constructed at strategic locations to monitor enemy forts. These forts served various purposes such as coastal defense, watchtowers, trenches, a road, and the Balakilla fort. Shivaji Maharaj used forts aggressively for guerrilla warfare.

Shivaji Maharaj and Asymmetric Warfare

Shivaji Maharaj employed various tactics against the Mughals: attacking from different directions, sudden ambushes, demanding tribute, exploiting enemy weaknesses, attacking when the enemy was least prepared, and ambushing on trade routes. The civilian population on Shivaji's side supported these guerrilla strategies. Bahirji Naik/Jadhav was a prominent figure in the secret service. Shivaji Maharaj's secret agents held a high rank. His surveillance on the Mughals was constant. During his coronation, he had a fleet of 100 ships in his navy. Shivaji Maharaj constructed several forts at sea, significantly improving maritime security. For defense, there were 25 to 30 ships on the Galbatan coast and 150 to 300 ships on the Gurabawar coast. These ships were utilized for securing the seas and contributing to the construction of the Swarajya state.

The Significance of Naradurg as an Important Fort

The mantra 'Shi-Va-Ji' is an inspiration for many brave men. This mantra's significance is still relevant today. The country faces various security challenges. History is a witness to the past and a guide to the future. A nation cannot achieve greatness without imbibing the countless qualities of its kings. Naradurg is a fort that exemplifies strength, resilience, courage, loyalty, and valor, attributes that Shivaji Maharaj instilled. In battles, the most important factor is the soldiers and their bravery. Each battle is won by the soldiers, and each soldier's approach to battle and the decision to fight or surrender determine victory. Shivaji Maharaj led his soldiers forward in challenging circumstances and rallied them to fight. It was under his leadership that the Marathas achieved great victories. The tradition of leadership from Shivaji Maharaj is still seen in the Indian military today, inspiring us to demonstrate our strength to China and Pakistan. However, the true cost of this legacy is paid by our brave soldiers on the battlefield.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Historical Impact and Legacy

A visionary ruler, adept in strategy, farsighted, powerful, and astute, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a role model for all. He was disciplined, skilled in governance, an exceptional military leader, a knowledgeable king who won the hearts of the masses, possessing extraordinary intellect and martial prowess. He crafted intricate strategies during critical situations, kindled the flame of self-rule in the hearts of Hindus suppressed by tyranny, and emerged as a legendary figure.

Shivaji Maharaj's rule in the Maratha Empire was not limited to managing Maratha commanders to work for the Mughals or extracting tribute from them. He demonstrated through his example that the Marathas, their people, and their land could protect themselves from the Mughals and establish their own rule. Some historians have confined him merely to being the hero of Maharashtra, but Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a hero for the entire nation.

In Indian history, whenever Shivaji, Maharashtra, and the Marathas are separated, it only seems like defeat and decline. The Marathas and Maratha dharma flourished and triumphed through the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by their valor. Shivaji Maharaj's military tactics, governance methods, and modern approach continue to guide contemporary India towards the right path. The discussions organized by the Shivaji Inspiration Center will undoubtedly secure a deserving place for Shivaji Maharaj in the annals of our nation's history. If Shivaji cannot be 100 percent, then 40-50 percent, or even 20-30 percent, Shivaji can be. If that happens, we can become a global superpower.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: A Military Strategist

He engaged in battles on multiple fronts, sometimes against one enemy while engaging another, balancing defense against enemies, and sometimes launching sudden attacks on Adil Shah during military expeditions, or withdrawing into the Sahyadri Mountains to evade the Mughals. Shivaji Maharaj's military strategies were diverse. He deployed different units to different locations and organized ambushes as needed. He used forts as secure bases during covert operations. Historians like the Portuguese and British compared Chhatrapati Shivaji to global legends like Caesar, Alexander, and Hannibal. Shivaji Maharaj was a tactical genius who developed the Indian art of war, employing Indian weaponry to overpower his adversaries.