Shivaji genius is most evident in his military organization, which lasted till the demise of the Maratha Empire. He was one of the pioneers of commando actions.
'Ganimi Kawa' - Guerrilla warfare a term used for warfare. 'Ganimi' means enemy and 'Kawa' means commando actions or swift flanking attacks.
He was an innovator and an able commander, he successfully used effective tactics including hit-and our, strategic expansion of territories and forts, formation of highly mobile light cavalry and infantry units , adaption of strategic battle plans and formation, whereby he succeeded in out- maneuvering , time and again , his vastly bigger and determined enemies.
Towards the end of his reign he had built up the Maratha forces to be over one hundred thousand strong. He was able to effectively keep the Mughal forces in check and on the defensive while expanding his kingdom southwards to Gingee, Tamil Nadu.
"Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom served as a Hindu bulwark against Mughal powers within India. His brilliant strategic and tactical maneuvering on battlefields, acute management and administrative skills helped him to lay the found actions of the future Maratha Empire in India.
Nothing proves Shivaji's genius as a born statesman more dearly than his creation of navy and naval bases. He instructively perceived that without the command of the coastal waters his inland territories could not be protected, nor the economic prosperity of this subject assured. Ships of war cannot do their work unless they have well - a defended base does at hand for repairs, supply of stores and shelter during rough weather.
Shivaji proved his faultless leadership by providing a numbers of such naval forts on the west coast, moving together with the growth of his fighting ships and trading vessels.
All of Shivaji's forts, whether inland or marine were built according to one pattern.
The site chosen was usually a cliff or a spit of land more than half surrounded by the sea. The whole top of the hill or the end of promontory was surrounded by a wall which was relieved by numerous bastions. There was seldom more than one entrance to the forts. The walls would be immensely massive and lofty. Shivaji was an immense fort lover.
During his 35 years as a king. Built 110 forts and reconstructed are 49 forts in and around his territory. Even today 300 years down the line, Shivaji's forts like Sindhudurg , Vijaydurg remain a testimony , depicting the his excellent infrastructure planning and management.
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