Under Rule of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj (17th Century)
During the rule of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the naval fleet which constituted a fleet of 200 ships, was commanded by two admirals who bore the titles of Mai Nayak(Water Leader), who was a Bhandari from Rajapur and Daria Sarang(Sea Captain)- a Muslim. Bhandari community was actively involved in formation of Maratha Empire under Shivaji Maharaj. In 1670, as per one East India Company report some 60 or 70 vessels of Shivaji were at the mouth of Bombay Port.
Haraji Bhatkar, Maynaik Hatkar, Santaji Bole, Raiji Gadde, Bapuji Naik were some of the famous warriors of the era. Bhandaris were instrumental in building the Maratha Navy along with the Agris. Raut, Bhatkars, Jaokar, Sarang were involved in conflicts with Siddi Jauhar and Portuguese.
It is pointed out that upto the Peshwa period Bhandaris played a great role in the Maratha Navy. Subsequently, when the navy of Peshwas disintegrated after decline of the Maratha power, they turned to other occupations on account of unemployment.
The Maratha Navy are considered as the forerunners of India's present-day Coast Guard.
Read more about this topic: Bhandari Caste
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