Ancient Indian wisdom-INDIA'S MARITIME HISTORY

Ancient Indian wisdom-INDIA'S MARITIME HISTORY

INDIA'S MARITIME HISTORY

Ancient India was a prominent maritime power. History reveals that India was the foremost maritime nation 2,000 years ago. India's maritime history predates the birth of western civilization. The world's first tidal dock is believed to have been built at Lothal around 2300 BC during the Harappan civilization, near the present day Mangrol harbour on the Gujarat coast.

Traders took merchandise by overland caravans to the sea-ports of Broach or Surat in the west, Kaveripumpatnam (Pukar) in the South or Banga in the East. Indian-built ships, laden with Indian manufactures, sailed to Ceylon, Egypt, Greece, Babylon, China or the countries of South-East Asia or Far East. The Sanskrit text, Yukti Kalpa Taru, explains how to build ships. It gives minute details about ship types, sizes and materials, including suitability of different types of wood. The treatise also elaborately explains how to decorate and furnish ships so they're comfortable for passengers.

In ancient times the Indians excelled in shipbuilding and even the English, who were attentive to everything which related to naval architecture, found early Indian models worth copying. The Indian vessels united elegance and utility, and were models of fine workmanship.