23-December-2024-Special-Article

INDIA MARITIME HERITAGE CONCLAVE (IMHC) 2024: CELEBRATING INDIA’S MARITIME LEGACY

The 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024), organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, focused on India’s rich maritime heritage and its role in global trade. The event highlighted innovations in the maritime sector and envisioned the future of India as a global maritime hub.

Key Highlights of IMHC 2024

Theme: “Towards Understanding India’s Position in Global Maritime History”

• Stalls showcased ancient shipbuilding techniques, navigational tools, and India’s trade links with ancient civilizations.
• Participation from leading maritime nations like Greece, Italy, and the UK highlighted India’s global maritime relevance.
• Discussions included the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, emphasizing its role in preserving India’s maritime history.

National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC): A Historic Endeavor

• Location: Lothal, Gujarat, an Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) site.
• Objective: To be one of the largest maritime museums globally, showcasing India’s ancient, medieval, and modern maritime practices.
• Features:

• A museum with 14 galleries.
• Lothal Town reconstruction and Open Aquatic Gallery.
• Lighthouse Museum, Coastal State Pavilions, eco-resorts, and theme parks.
• Maritime research institute to foster innovation.

India’s Maritime History: A Journey Through Time

1. Ancient Period:

Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1300 BCE):

• Lothal’s dry dock (2400 BCE) reflects advanced shipbuilding techniques.
• Evidence of trade with Mesopotamia through Harappan seals and artifacts.

Vedic Era (1500–600 BCE):

• Vedic texts mention sea voyages and maritime deities like Varuna.
• The epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, describe shipbuilding and naval trade.

2. Classical Era:

Mauryan Empire (500–200 BCE):

• Mauryan navy organized under the Navadhyaksha (Superintendent of Ships) as per Chanakya’s Arthashastra.
• Emperor Ashoka used maritime routes to spread Buddhism to Southeast Asia.

Satavahanas (200 BCE–220 AD):

• Controlled India’s east coast and traded with the Roman Empire.
• Issued coins featuring ships, highlighting maritime significance.

Gupta Empire (320–550 AD):

• Advanced navigation methods and opened ports for trade with Europe and Africa.

3. Southern Dynasties:

Cholas (3rd–13th century):

• Extensive trade with Southeast Asia and China.
• Constructed harbors and lighthouses.

Cheras and Pandyas:

• Used monsoon winds for navigation and traded pearls and spices with Rome and Egypt.

4. Medieval and Colonial Period:

Arab Traders (8th Century):

• Dominated Indian Ocean trade routes and facilitated exchange between India and Europe.

Portuguese Arrival (16th Century):

• Vasco da Gama’s voyage in 1498 disrupted India’s existing trade networks.
• Portuguese monopolized trade via strongholds in Goa and Cochin.

European Rivalry (17th Century):

• Fierce competition among the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British for maritime supremacy.

5. Modern Era:

Pre-Independence:

• Shivaji Maharaj established a powerful navy to counter foreign influence.
• The British Royal Indian Navy played significant roles in both World Wars.

Post-Independence:

• Renamed the Indian Navy in 1950, with the motto Sam No Varunah (Be auspicious unto us, O Varuna).
• Modernized into a blue-water navy with three commands: Western (Mumbai), Eastern (Visakhapatnam), and Southern (Kochi).

Significance of India’s Maritime Sector

Economic Backbone:

• 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value is carried via maritime routes.
• Ports handle over 1,200 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Global Standing:

• 16th largest maritime nation.
• 3rd largest ship recycler, with Alang, Gujarat, leading globally.

Blue Economy Potential:

• Expected to contribute significantly to India’s economic growth, with the global blue economy valued at USD 6 trillion by 2030.

Key Challenges in the Maritime Sector

• Port Congestion: Limited capacity at ports leads to delays.
• Complex Regulations: Overlapping rules by multiple agencies hinder efficiency.
• Naval Expansion: Delays in submarine projects and indigenization efforts.
• Coastal Security: Vulnerability to illegal activities along the 7,500 km coastline.

India’s Maritime Initiatives

• Sagar Mala Program: Integrates ports with industrial hubs for economic growth.
• Green Tug Transition Program: Promotes sustainable shipping practices.
• Ship Recycling Mission: Enhances India’s leadership in eco-friendly ship recycling.
• Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Aim to modernize infrastructure and strengthen maritime capabilities.

Way Forward

• Boosting Infrastructure: Develop ports and improve connectivity between coastal and inland regions.
• Promoting Tourism: Enhance coastal tourism under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
• Encouraging Innovation: Collaborate with international institutions to advance technology and skills.
• Sustainable Practices: Focus on green shipping initiatives and blue economy development.
• Policy Reforms: Simplify regulations and align them with global standards.

Conclusion:

India’s maritime sector holds immense potential to drive economic growth, preserve heritage, and strengthen global influence. Through sustainable practices, modernization, and strategic initiatives, India can establish itself as a leading maritime power.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss the significance of India’s maritime heritage and its contribution to global trade, culture, and innovation, with a focus on the National Maritime Heritage Complex.” (150 WORDS)