Context:
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways organised the 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC), 2024
India’s Maritime Heritage:
- Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) had established maritime trade links with Mesopotamia, showcasing early maritime prowess.
- Vedic Age (2000 – 500 BC) – The earliest references to maritime activities are found in the Rig Veda, indicating the significance of sea trade and navigation during this period.
- Magadha’s navy is considered the world’s 1st recorded instance of a navy.
- Chanakya’s Arthashastra mentions the ‘Department of Waterways,’ highlighting the organized approach to maritime activities.
- Satavahana Dynasty (200 BC – 220 AD) – 1stnative Indian rulers to issue coins with inscriptions of ships, indicating their involvement in maritime trade.
- Gupta Dynasty (320 – 500 AD) – Development of ocean navigation and maritime trade is well-documented in the writings of travellers like Fa-Hein and Huein Tsang.
- Marathas – Under Shivaji, the Maratha navy developed into a formidable force with more than 500 ships, showcasing their naval strength.
- Southern Dynasties
- Chola Dynasty: The Cholas had a powerful navy and established trade links with Southeast Asia, including the Srivijaya Empire.
- Pallava Dynasty: The Pallavas were known for their maritime trade with Southeast Asia and China.
- Pandya Dynasty: The Pandyas had extensive trade links with the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the discovery of Roman coins in Tamil Nadu.
Ancient Indian Ports:
| Port | Dynasty | Location |
| Tyndis | Chera | Kerala |
| Muziris | Chera | Kerala |
| Poompuhar or Kaveripattinam | Chola | Tamil Nadu |
| Mamallapuram | Pallava | Tamil Nadu |
| Korkai | Pandya | Tamil Nadu |
| Tondi | Pandya | Tamil Nadu |
| Motupalli | Kakatiya | Andhra Pradesh |
| Chandraketugarh | Maurya | West Bengal |
| Sopara | Satavahana | Maharashtra |
| Bharuch | Gupta | Gujarat |
| Tamralipti | Gupta | West Bengal |
Read more about National Maritime Heritage Complex
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) capital cities
(b) ports
(c) centres of iron-and-steel making
(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
Answer: (b)