Which Maratha Navy admiral, based at the Kolaba fort, effectively controlled Konkan sea trade in the late seventeenth century?

Introduction / Context:
Indian maritime history often receives less attention than land based events, so questions about naval commanders are a useful way to test deeper knowledge. In the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, the Maratha Navy emerged as a powerful force on the western coast of India, especially along the Konkan coast. One admiral in particular became famous for challenging European powers from his bases including the Kolaba fort near Alibag. This question asks you to identify that admiral.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The time period is the late seventeenth century. • The commander is associated with the Maratha Navy. • His headquarters was at the Kolaba fort on the Konkan coast. • The options list several important Maratha figures.

Concept / Approach:
Kanhoji Angre, sometimes spelled Angria, is widely recognised as the first great admiral of the Maratha Navy. He commanded a fleet that operated from forts such as Kolaba and Suvarnadurg, and for decades he controlled sea routes along the Konkan coast. European trading companies complained about his attacks on their ships and his practice of demanding passes and payments, which they described as piracy but which the Marathas considered coastal defence and tax collection. When an exam question mentions Kolaba, the Konkan coast, and a Maratha naval commander, it clearly points to Kanhoji Angre.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the clues Maratha Navy, Konkan trade, and Kolaba fort. Step 2: Recall that Shivaji founded the Maratha kingdom and built early naval defences, but he was a king rather than a long serving admiral based solely at Kolaba. Step 3: Remember that Kanhoji Angre is popularly called the first chief of the Maratha Navy and is closely linked with Kolaba and other sea forts. Step 4: Compare with Sambhaji, Dhanaji Jadhav, and Raghoji Bhonsle, who had different primary roles in Maratha history. Step 5: Select Kanhoji Angre as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical profiles of Kanhoji Angre describe him as the Sarkhel or admiral of the Maratha Navy, who from the late seventeenth century until his death in 1729 dominated the Konkan coast. They point out that his main base was Kolaba fort near present day Alibag and that he successfully resisted combined British and Portuguese fleets for many years. These accounts emphasise his control over Konkan sea trade and his role as a pioneer of Indian naval power, confirming that he fits the description in the question better than any other option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• Shivaji Maharaj established the Maratha state and encouraged naval defence, but he was not the long term admiral based at Kolaba who dominated Konkan trade. • Sambhaji, Shivaji's son, ruled the Maratha kingdom for a short period and is not primarily remembered as a naval commander from Kolaba. • Dhanaji Jadhav was a prominent Maratha general, especially in land campaigns, not a sea going admiral. • Raghoji Bhonsle was associated with the Nagpur branch of the Bhonsle family and with central Indian campaigns, not with the Konkan navy.

Common Pitfalls:
• Assuming that any famous Maratha ruler like Shivaji or Sambhaji must be the answer whenever a Maratha related question appears. • Ignoring the specific naval and coastal clues such as Kolaba fort and Konkan trade. • Forgetting that Kanhoji Angre is one of the very few Maratha leaders specifically titled admiral and associated with maritime dominance.

Final Answer:
The Maratha Navy admiral based at Kolaba who effectively controlled Konkan sea trade in the late seventeenth century was Kanhoji Angre.