India's ancient maritime history is a testament to its sophisticated understanding of trade, commerce, and cultural exchange, vividly illustrated by port towns such as Lothal and Dholavira. These bustling centres of activity not only engaged in extensive trade with other civilizations but also demonstrated advanced knowledge of hydrography and meteorology essential for safe sea navigation. The diverse regions of India, each with their own specialties in maritime technology, contributed to a rich tapestry of sea-faring expertise. However, this profound knowledge seems to have diminished or failed to be transmitted effectively over time.
In post-classical times, the Eastern Indian empires, like the Kalinga Empire and the Cholas, navigated a path that blended pacifism with strategic conquest, as seen in the Chola’s non-brutal approach to the conquest of Srivijaya. Despite in the modern times, the significant maritime prowess demonstrated by figures like Shivaji Maharaj and his Maratha navy, a legacy carried out by the great warrior Sarkhel Kanuji Angre, historical records often fail to highlight the broader contributions of maritime heroes and their achievements. This lack of documentation leaves gaps in understanding the full extent of India's naval legacy and the nuanced roles played by its historical maritime figures.
About The Speaker:
Commodore (Dr) Srikant B. Kesnur, VSM (Retd) is an Indian Navy veteran. He had a distinguished career spanning 36 years, during which he held various appointments involving, command of two ships, maritime operations, training, military education, leadership, diplomacy, and communication. He holds a Ph.D. and five postgraduate degrees. He has been the Lead Writer/Chief Editor of many books/monographs published by the Indian Navy.
Cmde Kesnur has received several awards for his service, including the Vishisht Seva Medal, the CNS commendation, and the Lentaigne Medal (at DSSC). After his retirement, he has been involved in various activities, including teaching and writing on Maritime issues. He is also a motivational speaker and shares his experiences and insights with military and civilian professionals.
Rahul Dewan is a tech and social entrepreneur, angel investor, open-source software evangelist, and the founder of Srijan Technologies, an *18-year-old enterprise web content management consulting and development company. He founded and runs Sarayu Trust which runs non-formal schools as well as several Dharmic/Indic projects. He is a writer, blogger, social activist, and a Sadhaka, who has devoted his life as a soldier to the cause of Bhartiya cultural revival, literally by all means. One of these ventures is Sangam Talks, where we strive to reclaim our cultural heritage.
Topics Covered:
00:00 Chola Conquest of Shrivijaya: A Path to Non-Violent Resolution
01:11 Introduction
02:50 Ancient Maritime History of India: Port Towns, Global Contacts, and Cultural Legacy
05:48 Ancient Maritime Expertise: Advanced Hydrographic and Meteorological Knowledge Across Regions
09:12 Textual Pieces of Evidence About Ports of Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilisation-Era
16:10 Post-Classical Times: Kalinga; Empires of the East
20:40 Were We Pacifists or Dominant? Or A Satisfactory Blend of Both? When It Comes to Conquest?
25:07 The Eastern Empires: Inability to Find Titbits of History, And Maritime Heroes, Personalities
29:01 Shivaji Maharaj And Martha’s Naval Prowess: Century of the Maratha Navy
36:14 Sarkhel Kanuji Angre: A Unyielding Force to Defy Colonial Naval Power
43:53 Conclusion: Tangents for Future Topics
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