Grab (Gurab)

The grab, or gurab, was a heavily built, two- or three-masted warship of the western Indian coast, ranging up to 400 tons, used as the principal warship of the Maratha Navy under commanders such as Kanhoji Angre, whose fleet was branded piratical by European trading companies for raiding their shipping.

Quick Facts

Ship ClassWarship, Merchant-Raider
Era Used17th-18th century
Typical Crewvariable, up to several hundred on largest examples
Guns / Cannons20-40 on larger grabs
Speed / HandlingModerate, sturdy design
Notable UseFlagship-class vessel of the Maratha Navy under Kanhoji Angre

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