The Unsung Hero ---- Kanoji Angre

It was sheer coincidence that I found myself travelling towards Alibaug. Visiting friends was the Agenda but then the History buff in me took over and I found myself in the Kulaba Sea Fort. Disappointment, though hit me like a ton of bricks at the utter neglect of the fort. Except for a sign at the entrance saying that the place is under the jurisdiction of the ASI there is no mention of the Great Commander Kanoji Angre. All there is, is a half complete statue of the great General. Wanting to know more I delved into the literature of the time, and came up with this Post, as a befitting tribute to him.

Kulaba Fort

The naval base and the Armada were established by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Slowly and steadily he laid a stronghold on the sea forts of Vijaydurg, Sindhudurgand Kulaba. Thirteen forts were built during Shivaji's rule and because of this, the English, French, Portugese and at the time Abyssinians (Habshi's), found it difficult to enter the Konkan coast by the sea route.
After Shivaji, once again the coast was under the constant threat of capture from the Dutch, Portugese and British.

Sindhu durg fort

Vijaydurg fortThe Dawn of a superior fleet of ships, the strengthening of the sea forts and the complete ascendancy of the Marathas can be ascribed to one person and that is " Kanoji Angre".
Even though the foreign news makers described him as a Brigand and a Pirate, the fact is that Angre was the Commander in Chief and the General who rejuvenated the Naval Force which ruled and protected the Konkan Coast from all outside advances.

The sea fleet during Shivaji's reign was huge but he had to look after both seawards and landwards to strength his kingdom. In contrast Angre had only the coastal region to put his energy and expertise into, and this he did handsomely.

He placed the whole of the Konkan under his jurisdiction.From 1690 up until his death in 1756, he rebuilt his fleet and strengthened his sea forts making Vijaydurg his Capital.
There wasn't a single bay, cove, port or the mouth of a river which wasn't under his control
On the might of the Navy, the British Historians have commented that the fleet was huge with ships with 3 and 2 sails. These could carry anywhere between 300 to 200 tons of weight. The guns and cannons on these ships varied between 32 and 10 depending on the size of the ship. It has been recorded that every time the foreign invaders tried to combat with Angre's fleet they had to lose and surrender their ships.

The Navy became very powerful under the guidance and able command of Kanoji Angre and up until his death, no outside force dared to invade the shores of the Maratha Empire.