MHS Monsoon Maritime Conversation "Maratha Navy : Strategy and Significance"

MHS Monsoon Maritime Conversation "Maratha Navy : Strategy and Significance"

Maritime History Society conducted the first Monsoon Maritime Conversation of 2017 with a focus on the strategy, strength and lessons learnt from the Maratha Navy in the Seventeenth Century.

Dr Sachin Pendse, Professor at Tolani College of Commerce led the conversation along with Sarkhel Raghujiraje Angre, a ninth generation descendant of the Kolaba Angres and also with Professor DR Ketkar, an avid history enthusiast and retired metallurgy professor from IIT Mumbai. The conversation covered the rise of Chatrapati Shivaji, his use of terrain including use of the sea, building of Coastal Fortifications the ascent of Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre in the mid Seventeenth Century. The discussions highlighted the tactics of using creeks and coastal forts as well as agility of Maratha Naval craft against the larger European Warships. It was a fascinating look at indigenous Naval warfighting covering Strategy, Shipbuilding and Tactics.

Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command (WNC) was the Chief Guest for the dialog which was witnessed by a host of enthusiasts in maritime research. Audience interaction included remarks by Admiral JG Nadkarni (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff. Cmde O Johnson, Curator MHS led the audience interaction and in closing remarks exhorted further study and research into indigenous elements of Indian Naval heritage. The panellists were felicitated by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, WNC. The event was held at Captain Mahendra Nath Mullah Auditorium at Navy Nagar, Colaba, Mumbai.