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News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Tides Of Triumph: A Saga Of Maratha Courage And Cultural Pride
Last Updated: The book explores various themes related to the maritime achievements of the Marathas following the establishment of the Maratha Navy by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1659. UNESCO has recently recognised the Maratha Military landscapes of India as a World Heritage site. This prestigious acknowledgment includes twelve majestic forts, with eleven located in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. PM Narendra Modi expressed his elation on X, stating that every Indian is thrilled with this recognition. He remarked, 'When we speak of the glorious Maratha Empire, we associate it with good governance, military strength, cultural pride, and emphasis on social welfare." PM Modi rightly pointed out that these Maratha forts, from Raigad to Gingee, narrate the saga of Maratha courage and cultural pride, inspiring generations. While a comprehensive account of the Maratha Navy and its exploits is still sparse, what remains hidden in the layers of history is gradually being unveiled. A few scholars have delved into the structure, function, and exploits of the Maratha Navy, with BK Apte being the most prominent among them. Renowned historians like Jadunath Sarkar and Surendranath Sen have discussed the Maratha Navy in their monographs. A nationalistic approach to understanding the career of Maratha Admiral Kanhoji Angre was taken by Malgaonkar. Under Admiral Angre's leadership, the Maratha Navy made European fleets appear insignificant in the Konkan waters, and his exploits are noted in some European works, notably those of GA Ballard and John Bidulph. This book answers the question of why the Maratha Navy did not possess large ships capable of broadside attacks. The maritime forts were crucial for their function like stationary ships armed with artillery. These fortifications served multiple purposes—they safeguarded trading routes, provided bases for naval operations, and acted as deterrents against invasions from sea-based powers. The essay highlights salient features of fort architecture, including elements specifically designed for maritime defence. These features include high walls resistant to cannon fire, strategically placed artillery, intricate systems for storing fresh water, and hidden underwater obstructions to damage enemy ships that ventured too close. Centuries later, twelve Maratha forts have become UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Maritime History Society in Mumbai took the initiative to uncover the inside story of the Maratha Navy. The year 2024 marks the 350th anniversary of a defining moment in Indian history: the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Swarajya. This event signifies the emergence of the Marathas as a regional power during the era of Mughal imperialism. The legacy of the Maratha Swarajya and its leaders continues to resonate in many aspects of our country's social and cultural life. There could not have been a better occasion to start working on a book that honours the achievements of the Maratha Navy and celebrates its legacy than Navy Day. The Director of the Maritime History Society in Mumbai initiated several rounds of discussions with Professor Dr Amarendra Kumar in the Department of History at Shanti Niketan, leading to the decision to compile essays exploring diverse aspects of the Maratha Navy. Shivaji uniquely realised the significance of the sea for both defence and trade—especially when the Maratha Swarajya was still in its infancy, and the Maratha Navy was being built brick by brick. According to the author, this underscores Shivaji's sharp acumen and visionary genius. The indigenous navy he created continues to be an enduring source of inspiration for the twenty-first-century Indian Navy, as reflected in the Navy's 2022 dedication of its emblem to Shivaji's Royal Octagonal Seal. The Indian Navy's ensign, inspired by the octagonal Royal Seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, embodies a proud nation's dedication to one of the most significant chapters of its maritime legacy. The legacy of the Maratha Navy is explored in one of the essays in the collection ' Tides of Triumph," which examines various themes related to the maritime achievements of the Marathas following the establishment of the Maratha Navy by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1659. The book, authored by leading scholars, traces the rise and consolidation of the Maratha Navy. The combined deployment of land and sea power is analysed, and attempts are made to demystify the persona and character of the legendary Maratha Naval chief Kanhoji Angre. top videos View all One of the essays draws parallels between Maratha naval strategy and India's post-Independence wars. This approach mirrors the operational success of the Indian Navy's Operations Trident and Python during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Just as the Marathas effectively utilised diverse vessels, the Indian Navy demonstrated how a strategic blend of capabilities could lead to mission success. To execute the offensives against the Pakistani coast, INS Kiltan and Katchall towed the smaller Vidyut-class missile boats—INS Nipat, Nirghat, and Veer—right up to Karachi for bombardment and accomplished the mission objectives. In conclusion, the book effectively presents various evidence highlighting the glorious naval traditions of the Maratha Swarajya. The contributors of the essays have contextualised and clearly articulated the diverse aspects of the Maratha Navy, which dominated during the mid-seventeenth and mid-eighteenth centuries. The legacy of the Maratha Navy endures. view comments First Published: News opinion Book Review | Tides Of Triumph: A Saga Of Maratha Courage And Cultural Pride Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. 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Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Int'l support helps 12 Maratha forts scoop Unesco World Heritage label
India achieved a key cultural and diplomatic victory on Friday as twelve historic Maratha forts were inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List, overcoming strong opposition from the advisory body that had recommended deferring the nomination. Pratapgad, one of the 12 forts, selected for the Unesco tag. (HT Photo) The 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' became the country's 44th World Heritage Site following intense debate at the World Heritage Committee session in Paris, where more than a dozen member states rallied behind India's bid, rejecting advice from ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites). The inscription recognises a strategic defence network developed between the 17th and 19th centuries across present-day Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The inscribed forts—Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu—showcase the Marathas' sophisticated military planning across diverse terrains from coastal islands to hilltops. ICOMOS had strongly recommended deferring the nomination, arguing that twelve 'anchor forts' were insufficient to represent the vast Maratha defence system. The advisory body also questioned whether the nomination met criteria for the 'cultural landscape' category and raised concerns about protection levels for smaller forts in buffer zones. As HT reported on Wednesday, ICOMOS advocated for a substantial reconfiguration, potentially in two phases, to better represent the full defensive network. The Indian delegation, led by ambassador Vishal V Sharma, mounted a successful diplomatic response. Mexico initiated support, arguing: 'We think that the state party's response by way of providing extra information has provided the relevance of this property fully.' Greece then proposed the critical amendment for inscription, declaring: 'Based on a thorough assessment, including the identification of factual inaccuracies... Greece has proposed an amendment for the inscription.' Greece emphasised that the forts met criterion (iv) for exceptional military architecture and criterion (vi) for their association with the Maratha philosophy of 'Swarajya' (self-rule), which later influenced India's independence movement. Support quickly expanded, with Ukraine, Lebanon, Kenya, Kazakhstan, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Vietnam, Italy, Zambia, Republic of Korea, Qatar, and Jamaica backing the bid. Lebanon questioned ICOMOS's consistency, stating: 'Given the fact that the property OUV is not debatable, one cannot understand ICOMOS recommendation to defer the nomination.' OUV was a reference to Outstanding Universal Value — a key indicator and requirement for the World Heritage tag. Kazakhstan commended the 'mature and flexible heritage strategy' embodied by the phased approach. When Belgium sought clarification on criterion (vi), Greece responded: 'The 12 fort components are tangible expressions of enduring ideas of self-rule... These forts are central to intergenerational identity transmission... the ideology of Swarajya profoundly shaped the evolution of Indian political consciousness.' Ambassador Sharma called it 'a historic day, not only for India, but especially for the Marathi people all over the world.' He said: 'The Maratha Military Landscapes represent a unique fusion of military innovation, ecological adaptation and architectural excellence shaped by the rugged landscapes of the Sayadris and the indomitable spirit of the Maratha polity.' Sharma dedicated the inscription to the legacy of the empire's founder, saying: 'We dedicate this inscription to the wisdom of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose legacy lives on through these Military Landscapes and the work of the Marathas for the well-being of the people.' The Committee emphasised that conservation must remain paramount and required India to submit a maintenance report by December next year. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the decision on X as a 'historic, pride-filled, glorious moment' and a 'heartfelt tribute' to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. According to official Unesco documents, India has also decided on its nomination for next year — Sarnath in Varanasi, a proposal that has been gathering dust since 1998
