Maynak Bhandari

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Mayank Bhandari, born Mayaji Bhatkar in Bhatye village near Ratnagiri, was one of the first Subhedars (admirals) of the Maratha Navy under Chhatrapati Shivaji. He helped build the navy and protect the Maratha coast, commanding about 200 ships alongside admirals Daria Sarang and Daulat Khan. Under his leadership, the Marathas won the campaign to capture Khanderi Fort near Alibag from the East India Company and the Siddis of Janjira (1679–80). He led an unsuccessful assault on Underi Fort on 18 August 1680. In 1682 he took part in the Siege of Janjira Fort with Govind Kanho and Grand Admiral Govindrao Jadhav. He served roughly from 1676 to 1682, during the reigns of Shivaji (1676–1680) and Sambhaji (1680–1682). He was later succeeded by Kanhoji Angre as the leader of the Maratha Navy. A memorial for him stands in Bhatye Village near Ratnagiri.