Chapter 110: Mumbai Naval Battle: Three
Vijay carefully watched as a fleet of around 50 frigates approached from the port side. It was evident that these were mid-sized frigates from the Mughal Empire, featuring a single sail and a modest displacement of approximately 90 tons. Observing from his advantageous position, Vijay could discern that the cannons mounted on these frigates were of a smaller calibre, mostly around 8 kg. This detail boosted his confidence, as he believed the battleship he was on would easily overpower this smaller green water navy.
But Vijay couldn't help but feel a sense of caution as he observed the sheer number of approaching frigates. "It will be tricky," he muttered to himself. While the battleship he commanded excelled in every measurable metric such as speed, power, and defence, the technological limitations of this era hindered the precision of targeting. The small and agile frigates of the Mughal Navy presented a challenge, making accurate aiming nearly impossible.
Considering the Mughal frigates' size and the difficulty in targeting them precisely, Vijay foresaw that the impending naval confrontation would resemble a classic case of "death by a thousand cuts." Despite the Mughal cannons' weaknesses in terms of both power and accuracy, the sheer volume of shots fired in the general direction of the capital ship increased the likelihood of hits, emphasizing the vulnerability of the battleship to this swarm of smaller vessels.
Reflecting on the situation, he issued a directive to the battleship's captain, Srinivas, saying, "Captain, instruct the Kingfisher battle group to encircle the enemy ships and cut off their retreat." Kingfisher battle group is a battle group composed of the frigates captured from the Dutch.
"Your Highness...?!" Srinivas questioned, clearly surprised.
"Just do it," Vijay commanded firmly, reiterating the order with emphasis.
Vijay took note of the captain's hesitancy, a clear uncertainty stemming from the Vijayanagara Navy's insufficient training for this critical battle. The naval officers had a hurried and brief training session in naval tactics, mainly guided by Dutch sailors in the past month. The positive aspect of this less-than-ideal situation was the well-trained army's outstanding combat skills, recognized for their expertise in martial arts and resilience in challenging conditions. Unfortunately, these skills had their limitations in the naval context, except for their praiseworthy resistance to seasickness. Many of these individuals hailed from fishing backgrounds, giving them a familiarity with water ingrained in their upbringing. Despite this inherent seafaring knowledge, their recent enrollment in the naval academy, just a month ago, made it perilous for them to dive into battle head-on, as directed by His Highness. However, considering the absence of alternatives, they were vital in this battle, which explains their lack of participation in the landing battle, a situation Vijay had anticipated for this exact scenario with the Mughals.
The Kingfisher battle group, consisting of 20 frigates, each weighing 100 tons, swiftly executed the order to split into two groups and moved into action. Their objective was to encircle the group of Mughal frigates positioned in front of them. The Mughal forces, observing this maneuver, were uncertain about the Vijayanagara forces' intentions but immediately commenced firing their cannons as the frigates approached within range. Unfortunately for the Mughals, their efforts proved to be less efficient, as the frigates targeted by their cannons were the ones previously captured from the Dutch.
The Dutch Whisperer is a 17th-century 100-ton sail frigate known for its impressive specifications. Measuring between 30 to 40 meters in length and 8 to 12 meters in beam, this agile vessel boasts a draft of 4 to 5 meters, striking a balance between size and manoeuvrability. Weighing in at approximately 100 tons, With its one mast rigged with a square sail, the frigate is designed for optimal speed and versatility. While not heavily armoured, the frigate relies on its sleek hull design and impressive speed, capable of reaching up to 12 knots under favourable conditions.
Despite the Dutch Whisperer's superiority, the Mughal ship, weighing only 90 tons, exhibited its own commendable characteristics. Spanning a length of 20 to 30 meters and a beam of 6 to 10 meters, the vessel maintained a draft of 3 to 4 meters, demonstrating a balance between size and stability. While not matching the Dutch frigate in tonnage, the Mughal ship's one mast, rigged with a square sail, contributed to its operational efficiency. However, with a more modest armament of a single cannon, it stood no chance in a one-on-one battle against a real frigate. Despite the limitations, the Mughal ship showcased a respectable speed of 8 knots under favourable conditions. Though not as swift as the Dutch Whisperer, the Mughal frigate was sturdy, with better defence in a smaller frame, emphasizing distinct strengths within the constraints of its 90-ton capacity. You could tell this was a defense-oriented ship.
The Vijayanagara fleet with its superior ship was veering away from the Mughals, but the relentless barrages from the Mughal side still inflicted significant casualties on the Vijayanagara fleet. Although a 4-knot speed difference might seem like a huge difference, it translated to a mere 7.4 kmph disparity. Since the Mughals were positioned inside the Kingfisher's circular path, they didn't need to travel swiftly; they just had to pivot. Consequently, at least 150 individuals lost their lives in this single exchange, with more casualties following. Fortunately, the ships on the other side also circled at the same pace as them. They successfully formed a line parallel to the battleship in an arc, trapping the Mughal ships in between.
The Mughal naval commander felt something was wrong as he turned around, only to see the large battleship, which had been at a distance, approaching only a few hundred meters away from them.
"Ya Allah!" he yelled in horror as he could clearly see the huge number of cannons equipped on the battleship.
Vijay, directing operations from the capital ship, swiftly ordered the repositioning of the cannons to the right side of the vessel. The cannons were shifted to the right side of the ship as Vijay continued to order, As they were merely a hundred meters away from the Mughal battle group, "Hard left rudder." The ship suddenly tilted in a dangerous strategic manoeuvre, prompting sailors to secure themselves to anything sturdy as the vessel turned with a slight drift. This unexpected move strategically aligned the cannons on the right side directly toward the Mughal naval vessels, effectively blocked off by the Kingfisher fleet. Seizing this opportune moment, Vijay's hoarse voice pierced the air, commanding, "FIRE!"
Chaos erupted as the powerful 12-kilogram cannons thundered, "Boom, boom, boom." A symphony of destruction composed of iron and fire surged toward the unsuspecting Mughals.
"Boom, boom, boom." The relentless salvo of the cannons relentlessly pounded the Mughal brigades, drowning the sea in the acrid scent of gunpowder with each reload.
Witnessing the capital ship taking the initiative, the Vijayanagar frigates forming the blockade unleashed their smaller 10-kilogram calibre artillery. The Mughal Navy found itself trapped in a lethal crossfire, with no escape from either the battleship or the Vijayanagara frigates. Their resistance was futile, and their attempts to retaliate fell short against the might of the thousand-ton behemoth.
"Boom, boom, boom."
The sea convulsed as whirlpools formed around the sinking Mughal ships, spreading destruction throughout the battlefield. The scent of blood lured fish and predatory creatures, transforming the central area into a gruesome pool of carnage.
In the aftermath, surviving Mughal soldiers were captured, and an uneasy calm settled over the Arabian Sea. The battle concluded with the annihilation of the Mughal Mumbai Navy and the resounding victory of the Vijayanagara Navy. However, this triumph came at a cost – the capital ship, bearing slight damage, and heavily damaged frigates, with only 8 out of the initial 20 remaining intact. It was a bittersweet victory, tinged with tragedy with the death of at least 600 personnel.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Mithun_ReddyGaru
Mithun_ReddyGaru I am sorry for Navy Nerds for Inaccurate details.
Chapter 111: Mumbai Battle: Gains And Losses
With the naval battle concluded, a momentary calm settled over the southern part of Mumbai. The Vijayanagara Battleship, now stationed in the recently captured area of Dadar on the south side of Mumbai Island, Was standing there majestically, Wearing the scars of battle. As Vijay stepped onto this island for the first time in his current life, he was confronted with a harsh reality. Distressing scenes of emaciated and withered people unfolded before him, making it evident that the inhabitants of the streets had endured days without a proper meal, reduced to nothing but skin and bones. Despite Vijay's efforts to distribute the limited food available, the prolonged effects of starvation and disease had taken a severe toll.
Despite Vijay's assistance, the harsh conditions had taken a toll on many, and while some showed signs of improvement, several middle-aged men who appeared to have aged 60 years succumbed to the harsh conditions one after another. The frequency of deaths was so rampant that even bystanders on the streets grew accustomed to the grim reality, witnessing at least two burial processions daily. When Vijay inquired about the situation, he was told that the average life expectancy here was only 40 years.
Knowing that he was Fuming, clenching his fist tightly until it bled. He was infuriated by the dire state of affairs, Hence Vijay promptly launched a crackdown on all Mughal officers, nobles, and lackeys in the Dadar area. In the ensuing days, it transformed into a nightmare for the Mughal lackeys and nobles, treated like rats on the street. Even the lowest scum of society, whom they had previously looked down upon, would point them out, informing Vijay's enforcers of their locations. Desperate to escape this hellish environment and flee to the northern side of Mumbai, they searched desperately for any possible way because they believed a counterattack strategy was being prepared to launch on the Dadar area. The Mughal lackeys knew that their side would spare nothing until the influence of Vijayanagar on this land was eradicated. However, fate took an unexpected turn as the entire Dadar area was placed under lockdown.
Fortunately, the goodwill among the lower classes toward the Vijayanagara army increased due to the assistance provided with food and water, helping them endure the difficult times. The crackdown continued relentlessly until the main culprit of this misery was discovered, hiding in the basement of a horse shed. This individual was none other than Mustafa Ali, the commander of the South Mumbai army. In this era, political and military powers were intertwined, giving rise to individuals like Mustafa who managed both affairs in a specific region.
Seeing the middle-aged man, who had appeared lively and healthy just a few weeks ago, no one would recognize him in his current state. He seemed to have shed 10 kilograms of weight, with black circles around his eyes and bloodshot eyes. His haggard appearance, coupled with torn clothes stained with the blood of his guards, depicted a life of hardship. However, no one felt pity for him, as his suffering was seen as well-deserved.
It is ironic because he was the first one to run away from the battlefield, and he almost succeeded if it weren't for a soldier who noticed that when he walked inside the horse shed, he dropped his Talwar by mistake. The soldier heard a dull sound, a "thud," which indicated there was air on the other side of the object, like an empty water tank.
He knew something was wrong and called for his comrades, opening the wooden floor pieces. Behold, it was the commander of the Mumbai South army, with his guards guarding him very closely. Before he could react, the guards, who were very tense to begin with, swung the sword at the soldier's neck, lobbing off the head of the person who discovered the commander. Witnessing this scene, his companions did not stand still as they plunged into action and soon beheaded the guards. Although they sustained some injuries, they got the job done, but it was a pity for the comrade to die.
With his guards being dealt with, Mustafa did not resist as he accepted his fate and waited for his death. Fortunately or unfortunately, his death did not come as he was tied up and carried away. This was not because the soldiers were merciful; no, they wanted to split this guy into pieces. However, there was a smart guy among them who pointed out his luxurious attire, even though it had been destroyed right now. The fact that such elite guards were guarding him meant that he was an important person.
When Vijay heard this story, even he felt a little sorrow for the soldier who had died. So, he promised in front of everyone, "Those who have died in this battle, their families would get a monthly allowance from the empire, and the kids would have priority in civil and military services, along with first-grade education."
This promise made all the soldiers move, as they were not only fighting for the Empire; they were also fighting for a good life for their wives and kids. Hearing Vijay's promise, they were relieved, and their morale increased as they felt their burdens were lessened.
As for Mustafa, he was soon brought in front of the Mumba Devi temple he had robbed. Seeing this person aroused instant fury in every citizen's mind as they remembered the atrocities he had committed. There wasn't even a chance to list out his sins, as he was quickly drowned in the rocks thrown by the people. Soon, he was beaten to death by the very same people he had scorned.
The Mumba Devi temple bears the scars of a tragic past, marred by historical invasions and adversities. Throughout the centuries, this sacred site has withstood various onslaughts, including a notable invasion just a couple of years ago in 1647 by the Mughal noble and a looming threat in 1692 when Aurangzeb, the future Mughal emperor in a parallel Earth timeline, ordered its destruction. Despite the relentless trials, the temple stands as a resilient symbol of Mumbai's cultural heritage.
In the present day, the temple may appear weathered and impoverished, yet it remains a powerful embodiment of the enduring spirit of Hindus. Pilgrims and locals continue to flock to the site, offering prayers that celebrate the goddess's strength and honour the city's rich history, undeterred by the disdain shown by the Mughals. The Mumba Devi temple serves as a poignant testament to Mumbai's resilience and the unwavering faith of its people, a legacy that endures into the 21st century.
After clearing out all the weeds, Vijay sat down to assess the casualties of the battle. Soon, he took in a report given by Narasimha. In this battle, unfortunately, 618 naval soldiers died, along with the loss of 8 Dutch Whisperer frigates. On the main capital battleships, there were no deaths, but there were a few injuries sustained because of the impact caused by the 8-kilogram cannons fired by the Mughal Navy.
The heavy infantry, positioned at the forefront of the defence, bore the brunt of the Mughal onslaught, resulting in a casualty rate of a hundred individuals early into the battle. Ten squads at a time valiantly resisted the barrage of Mughal arrows, and when cannons entered the fray, the toll on the heavy infantry became even more severe. Deployed extensively in the cleanup battles, they served as the frontline tanks, absorbing damage, but their resilience had its limits. Despite being fully armed, they were not impervious to harm, leading to additional casualties. The occupation of Dadar witnessed a total of 500 casualties among the heavy infantry. A few members of the engineering corps sustained injuries, and 1200 from the light infantry lost their lives. The cumulative death toll of this expedition surpassed 2318 individuals, with injuries reaching 5000, predominantly among the light infantry.
It was a huge loss for the Vijayanagar army, with only 9 brigades remaining, with the rest being auxiliary personnel.
While Vijay was feeling depressed, Ramaiya was very happy, as he had managed to gain a foothold in Mumbai relatively easily with comparatively very few losses of personnel. He had noticed that Vijay was very sensitive when it came to the loss of soldiers while completely ignoring the overwhelming victory they had produced by defeating two brigades consisting of at least 10,000 soldiers of the Mughals. However, Ramaiya did not point it out to Vijay, as he felt like Vijay had become more accepting of these losses, as he even grieved for a single soldier at the beginning of his reign at the time of the Dutch battle.
As for the material gains, as this was a poor part of Mumbai, there was not much wealth to speak of, but there was a considerable amount of wealth in the vaults of the Mughal nobles and lackeys. It was soon discovered that there were at least 20 tons of silver, 5 tons of gold, 500 tons of grain, salt, spices, iron, antiques, stolen idols, and different goods, in varying amounts. This was just the smaller part of Mumbai Island, and Vijay couldn't imagine what more could be found in the rich area.
The resources were put to good use: the grain was distributed to the people, the money was used to make more weapons as it was sent back to the empire, and the idols and antiques were returned to the original temples. If the temples were destroyed, Vijay even lent a little money to rebuild the temple to reestablish the glory of the idols.
"We are ready, Your Highness," Ramaiya said, quickly assembling the army again in the open square beside the Mumba Devi temple. Vijay did not want to give any breathing space to the Mughals, so he quickly assembled the army again just after a day of rest. He fully intended to conquer Mumbai within Two days.
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