GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd September. The most visible aspects of European powers’ colonial rule were etched in their naval capabilities. Using their early discoveries of various navigational tools such as a compass, they gradually established rule in India and several other countries around the world. India was ruled by the Mughal Empire at the time. They lacked the resources to field a formidable naval force. As a result, many European forces, such as the Portuguese, began to monopolise and control India’s western trade route. Finally, they were able to establish colonies in Goa and other Konkan regions.
When European naval forces became more ruthless in the Arabian Sea, it was the Marathas, led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who challenged their monopoly and established India’s first naval force. They not only challenged European might on trade routes, but also prevented the western coast of the Konkan regions from becoming a European colony.
The Navy’s new ensign bears Shivaji’s seal
Prime Minister Modi unveiled a new Indian Navy ensign today in Kochi, Kerala. Ahead of the commissioning of IAC Vikrant, the Prime Minister unveiled a new Indian Navy flag, which features a Tricolour in the upper left corner, symbolizing the spirit of India’s naval force. It has the Navy’s new insignia in the lower right corner on the fly side. Inside a blue octagon, the new ensign features the national emblem, the national motto, and the Navy’s motto “Sham no Varunaha.” The golden border of the octagon represents Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Rajmudra.
BREAKING: @IndianNavy’s new ensign unveiled, drops St George’s Cross, introduces Indian Navy crest on a navy blue background enclosed in a octagon representing the royal seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. pic.twitter.com/NUh68yt85r
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) September 2, 2022
The previous ensign, which featured St George’s Cross, has been retired. The cross is a symbol from England’s national flag, and it appears on the Indian Naval flag. St George is considered a military saint, and the Red Cross on a white background is a symbol of Christian crusaders. Because of its colonial history, the St George Cross, like other symbols of slavery, represented coloniality. In a statement commemorating the adoption of the new ensign, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Today is a moment of great pride and glory for every Shiva devotee in Maharashtra.”
तिरंगा आणि राजमुद्रा…
आज प्रत्येक शिवभक्तासाठी, महाराष्ट्रासाठी अत्यंत अभिमानाचा आणि गौरवाचा क्षण आहे.
पारतंत्र्याची आणखी एक निशाणी आज पुसली गेली आणि त्याजागी आपल्या लाडक्या, जाणत्या राजाची, शिवछत्रपतींच्या राजमुद्रेच्या आकारातील नवी निशाणी स्थापित झाली!#IndianNavy #Ensign pic.twitter.com/jNckew72k8— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) September 2, 2022
Shivaji Maharaj is known as the “Father of the Indian Navy.”
The inscription of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s royal seal on the Indian Naval flag has a significant meaning. When Europeans began to monopolise the sea route with their strong naval forces in the early 16th and 17th centuries, India under the Mughals lacked even a niche naval force. The British, Portuguese, and Dutch had already established themselves on Arabian trade routes. They now began to establish colonies on Indian lands. The Portuguese were even able to establish a colony in Goa.
Given the threat posed by foreign powers, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj recognized the importance of maintaining a naval force and securing the Indian coastline. He built ships in cities such as Kalyan, Bhivandi, and Goa. He also constructed a slew of sea forts and bases for repair, storage, and shelter. According to Navy documents, Shivaji Maharaj fought many naval battles on the coast with the Siddis of Janjira. He had between 160 and 700 merchant, support, and fighting ships. After achieving the capability of building a naval force, Shivaji Maharaj began trading with foreigners on his own and challenged the Europeans’ monopoly.
Kanohji Angre was the most important soldier in the Maratha Navy. He is regarded as the foundational pillar of the Marathas’ strong naval powers. When Europeans attacked and taxed Indian merchants, it was Kanohji Angre who challenged their monopoly. He launched numerous attacks on European ships, collecting Jakat from them. Admiral Angre feared that Europeans would not establish a colony in Mumbai during the Maratha timeline.
Adoption of a new ensign on the Indian Navy flag is not only an important step toward liberation from colonial symbols. The new ensign also recognizes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s contribution to the legacy of the Indian naval force.
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