Was this 18th-century admiral the most skilled naval commander in Indian history?

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Kanhoji Angre, the legendary Maratha admiral, dominated the Arabian Sea for decades. By capturing European merchant ships and enforcing his own maritime taxes, he forced the British, Dutch, and Portuguese to reckon with his naval prowess. Today, his legacy lives on as the namesake of the Indian Navy's Western Command.

Born around 1669, Kanhoji Angre rose from humble, debated origins to become the undisputed master of the Konkan coast. While some historical accounts label him a Koli or a servant, his strategic brilliance was undeniable. By 1698, he was appointed Sarkhel, or Admiral, of the Maratha fleet, tasked with protecting the coastline from Mumbai to Vengurla. He transformed the Maratha Navy into a formidable force, utilizing a mix of grabs and gallivats—agile, cannon-armed vessels that could outmaneuver the heavy, slow-moving East Indiamen of European trading companies.

Angre’s operational philosophy was ahead of its time: he understood that a true blue-water navy must engage enemies far from the homeland. He established a network of fortified bases, most notably at Vijaydurg and Kolaba, and even minted his own currency, the Alibagi rupaiya. His dominance was so absolute that he forced European powers to pay a levy, known as jakat, for safe passage through his waters. When they refused, he seized their ships and ransomed their crews, creating a persistent crisis for the British East India Company and their rivals.

Despite numerous joint military campaigns launched by the British and Portuguese to dismantle his power, Angre remained undefeated until his death in 1729. He was a pragmatic leader, employing European mercenaries—including a Jamaican pirate named James Plantain—to command his vessels and train his crews. His influence was so profound that the British, in their struggle to counter his tactics, were compelled to develop a naval force that would eventually evolve into the modern Indian Navy. Today, the headquarters of the Indian Western Naval Command is named INS Angre in his honor.

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