Shivaji's Mavala Army: Guerrillas Who Built an Empire

Before Shivaji Maharaj built a navy, a spy network, or a revenue system, he needed an army. This episode unpacks the heart of Swarajya's military: the Mavala foot soldiers from the Sahyadri hills. Lucas and Luna explore how Shivaji recruited these farmers and shepherds, turned them into a disciplined guerrilla force, and equipped them with signature weapons like the dandpatta and khanjar. They discuss Shivaji's innovative ganimi kava tactics — including the famous battle of Salher in 1672 where the Marathas defeated a Mughal army in open field. The conversation also covers the role of key commanders like Tanaji Malusare and Baji Prabhu Deshpande, the training and loyalty of the Mavala, and how this peasant army proved that skill and motivation could overcome superior numbers. By the end, listeners will understand why the Mavala were the backbone of the Maratha Empire. #Mavala #ShivajiMaharaj #MarathaArmy #GanimiKava #BattleOfSalher #TanajiMalusare #BajiPrabhuDeshpande #Sahyadri #Swarajya #GuerrillaWarfare #Dandpatta #Khanjar #HindaviSwarajya #MarathaEmpire #17thCentury #IndianHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo