CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI

Shivaji’s Renowned Guerrilla Strategies

Shivaji’s military forces faced significant challenges. Initially, he lacked the manpower and cavalry that many of his adversaries possessed, particularly in the early part of his career. Additionally, he depended heavily on acquiring arms and ammunition, such as muskets and gunpowder, from European sources, particularly the Portuguese. This dependency made it unlikely for him to compete effectively in traditional battles against his enemies.

To counter these disadvantages, Shivaji employed guerrilla warfare. This approach involved his troops operating in small, highly agile, and well-armed units. They would create disruption within the often slow-moving Mughal or Adil Shahi forces, plundering resources and treasure before swiftly withdrawing

Shivaji’s Strategic Use of Hill Forts

• Hill forts were pivotal to Shivaji’s military strategy. Unlike the open plains of Northern India, which were suited for traditional battles with large armies, the terrain of the Maratha region presented different challenges. With the Arabian Sea to the west, the Konkan plains in the middle, and the Western Ghats bordering the plains, much of the area was covered in dense forests during the 17th century.

• Shivaji, the Maratha leader, was born and raised in the hill fort of Shivneri, located about 100 km from Pune. This fort was granted to his grandfather by the Sultan of Ahmadnagar in recognition of his military services. Shivneri exemplifies a typical hill fort in the Western Ghats—a compact yet formidable structure situated on a hill, overlooking the surrounding landscape. It had a reliable water source in the form of two freshwater springs and, according to some accounts (though these should be regarded with skepticism), was stocked with supplies to last its inhabitants for seven years.

• Growing up amidst the hills and valleys around Pune, Shivaji recognized the strategic importance of hill forts for controlling territory. Throughout his career, he captured several key forts, including Torna at the age of 16, as well as Rajgadh, Sinhagadh, and Purandar. Early on, Shivaji understood that maintaining power in the Deccan, and indeed in many parts of India during that era, hinged on seizing and holding critical forts. His military strategies centered on capturing strategically located forts, often situated on elevated terrain, and he also repaired and constructed new forts as his influence expanded.

• Warfare in such rugged terrain differs significantly from that in more open areas. Large conventional armies often struggled to navigate and effectively engage in this challenging landscape. As Shivaji consolidated and extended his influence, his military strategies diverged notably from the prevailing doctrines of the time.

• Maratha forces employed a strategy of rapid strikes and retreats to the numerous hill forts in the region. These forts were designed to be difficult and often treacherous for large groups to approach. As a result, they served as excellent defensive positions, deterring larger armies from attacking or forcing them to sacrifice their numerical advantage if they chose to engage.

• Hill forts also provided strategic vantage points for monitoring potential threats. According to Shivaji’s finance minister, Ramchandra Pant Amatya, “There should not be a higher point near the fort among the surrounding hills.” When higher elevations were nearby, smaller forts were often constructed to counteract this. For instance, the Purandar fort is complemented by the smaller Vajragad fort situated nearby.

• The use of hill forts enabled Shivaji to project his power more effectively than would have been possible through conventional methods. The relative safety of these forts allowed him to employ his swift tactics successfully against formidable adversaries