Indian Navy Day 2023 | 06 Dec 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) of India declared on Indian Navy Day 2023 a government decision to eliminate the colonial military legacy by revealing that designations within the Indian Navy would be revamped to align with Indian cultural roots.

• PM also paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and unveiled a grand statue of the 17^th century Maratha king at the coastal fort of Sindhugarh, Maharashtra.

What are the Announcements Made on Navy Day?

• Symbolic Epaulettes and Indigenous Maritime Values:
  • The PM mentioned that the epaulettes (ornamental shoulder pieces denoting rank) adorned by Naval officers would now feature the emblem of Shivaji Maharaj's army.
  • He connected the Naval flag with the heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, emphasizing the inspiration drawn from the historical figure.
  • The PM reiterated Shivaji Maharaj's belief in the power of controlling the seas and credited the Navy for embodying this principle.
  • Aligning with the Prime Minister's call to discard the colonial mindset, the Navy adopted a new ensign in 2022 inspired by the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

• Honoring Naval Warriors and India’s Maritime History:
  • The PM paid tribute to historical naval warriors like Kanhoji Angre, Mayaji Naik Bhatkar, and Hiroji Indulkar.
  • Indian Navy has named its training establishment in Lonavla as INS Shivaji, and the shore-based logistics and administrative hub of the Western Naval Command, Mumbai, as INS Angre — after Kanhoji Angre (1669-1729), the celebrated Maratha naval commander.

What were the Naval Legacies of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji?

• Inspired by conflicts with the Siddis and observing Portuguese naval strength, Shivaji emphasized the need for a robust navy and efficient port system. He strategically constructed coastal forts like Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg to safeguard against adversaries.
• Under Shivaji's leadership, the Maratha navy flourished, establishing strongholds at Kolaba, Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, and Ratnagiri. Surpassing 500 ships, the Maratha navy successfully thwarted both Portuguese and British advances for over four decades. However, after Shivaji's death in 1680, the Maratha navy weakened, marking a decline in its power and influence.