State your opinion: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built naval force.

Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built a navy to protect Swarajya from enemies on the sea.

• The Konkan coast was threatened by the Siddis of Janjira, the Portuguese, the English and the Dutch, who were strong at sea.
• A navy was needed to protect the coastal territory, the sea trade and the people of Swarajya.
• He built ships at Kalyan-Bhiwandi and sea forts such as Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg (strengthened) and Kolaba (Alibag).
• In my opinion this was a far-sighted step; he is rightly called the father of the Indian navy, and the Maratha navy later grew powerful under Kanhoji Angre.