India’s Maritime Legacy: Celebrating Heritage and Innovation

Why in the news?

The 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 highlighted India’s maritime history, global contributions, and the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal as a symbol of its rich legacy.

India’s Maritime Legacy: Celebrating Heritage and Innovation

Highlighting India’s Maritime Heritage

  • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways hosted the 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024) with the theme “Towards Understanding India’s Position in Global Maritime History.”
  • The event celebrated India’s significant contributions to global maritime trade, innovation, and culture.
  • Over 20 exhibitions displayed ancient shipbuilding techniques, navigational tools, and historical trade routes.
  • Global participation from nations such as Greece, Italy, and the UK emphasized the worldwide importance of India’s maritime history.
  • A cultural program showcased coastal traditions, combining academic insights with festivity.

Discussions and Key Highlights

  • Discussions focused on India’s maritime history, youth engagement, skill development, and sustainable maritime practices.
  • The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, was a centerpiece of the conclave.
    • Lothal, an ancient Indus Valley site, hosts the world’s oldest dockyard, over 5,000 years old.
    • NMHC is set to become one of the largest maritime complexes globally, featuring 14 thematic galleries, an aquatic gallery, eco-resorts, and maritime research institutes.

India’s Maritime Strength and Future Vision

  • With a 7,500 km coastline, 13 major ports, and a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, India plays a vital role in global trade.
  • India handles 95% of its trade volume and contributes 70% to trade value via maritime routes.
  • The conclave underscored India’s ambition to blend its maritime heritage with modern advancements, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous maritime future.

National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal:

  • Location and Historical Importance
  • Located in Lothal, Gujarat, an ancient Indus Valley site (2600 BCE).
  • Features the world’s oldest dockyard, over 5,000 years old.
  • Features of NMHC
  • Among the world’s largest maritime complexes.
  • Includes 14 thematic galleries, Open Aquatic Gallery, Lighthouse Museum.
  • Eco-resorts, theme parks, and maritime research institutes.
  • Modern Maritime Strength
  • 7,500 km coastline, 13 major ports, 200 non-major ports.
  • Ports handle 95% trade volume, 70% trade value, strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean Region.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times