Sailing expedition remembers Angre's contribution to naval warfare

A team of 44 NCC cadets successfully completed the first phase of commemorative 'Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre: Konkan Ratna' Whaler Boat Sailing Expedition in the Arabian Sea, officials said here Friday.

Launched Jan 18 from Devgad port in Ratnagiri, the expedition reached Alibaug port in Raigad district on the Konkan coast of the state.

After a couple of days break, it will embark on the second phase from Alibaug to Ratnagiri, with the total 286.5 nautical miles (515.7 km) scheduled for completion Jan 28.

"This adventurous expedition is designed to expose the NCC cadets on the various naval warfare campaigns undertaken by Angre," an official explained.

Sarkhel (equivalent to Admiral) Kanhoji Angre was a fearless commander of the Maratha Navy in the 18th century and fought against the British, Dutch and Portuguese navies on the Indian coasts.

Branded as a pirate, Angre's long history maritime feats included attacking merchant ships of British East India Company, including the abduction of British frigate Bombay from Calicut with six English sailors which he blew up during the battle.

Later, when Chhatrapati Shahu assumed leadership of the Maratha empire, he appointed Balaji Viswanath Bhatt as his naval commander and negotiated a deal with Angre in 1707, making him (Angre) the head of the Maratha Navy.

He fought various forces which attempted to subdue the Maratha Navy and remained undefeated till his death in July 1729.

Angre, whose statue adorns Mumbai Naval Dockyard and and a statue and Samadhi are located in Alibaug, is considered one of the most notable admirals of Maratha Navy who offered significant resistance to, and damaged the might of colonial powers.

He is credited with the foresight that a navy's ultimate and strategic role is to keep the enemy engaged far away from the shores of the homeland.

The commemorative expedition by NCC cadets started from Devgad and covered Vijaydurg, Ratnagiri, Jaigad, Harnai, Agardanda, Alibag and on the return route will cover Revdanda, Shrivardhan and Dhabol ports along the Konkan.