Heritage of India’s maritime history : Dr Malini Shankar
NEW DELHI : As India sets its sights on enhancing maritime security, underwater domain awareness and boosting trade, there is a need to integrate the country’s ancient maritime heritage with cutting-edge technological advancements. This was the vision laid out by Dr Malini Shankar, Former Director General of Shipping, at an event here recently.
The event, held at India Habitat Centre in the Capital, was part of the second lecture in a series on maritime connectivity, security, and future opportunities organised by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a New Delhi-based autonomous policy research institute.
Dr Shankar underscored the need for a forward-thinking approach that blends the historical richness of India’s maritime heritage with modern technological advancements. She highlighted that the right balance between the two could help India’s maritime sector regain its status as a key driver of economic growth and global influence.
In her address, Dr Shankar pointed out India’s centuries-old maritime traditions, emphasising the significance of ancient ports, trade routes, and traditional shipbuilding techniques as evidence of the country’s early dominance in global trade.
She also noted the enduring influence of these practices with a reference to Mandvi, a port town in Gujarat that reveals the legacy of ancient port construction methods.
Dr Shankar stressed the importance of blending ancient craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology such as data analytics, autonomous ships, and sustainable maritime solutions.
“India’s maritime boat-building heritage and the archaeological evidence is a testament to its long-standing relationship with the sea. While modern innovations have reshaped the industry, preserving traditional knowledge and craftsmanship is vital for cultural heritage and sustainable marine practices,” she said.
She also highlighted the government’s initiatives to revive ancient shipbuilding techniques, particularly the Stitched Ship Project, which aims to reconstruct a vessel based on a 4th-century AD design depicted in the Ajanta paintings. The Centre has allocated more than Rs 100 crore towards preserving maritime heritage, she said. “With the shifting emphasis towards maritime security, underwater domain awareness and targeted growth in trade, we will be called upon to blend the knowledge of the past and the skills of the future to achieve the lofty ambitions of our nation when it comes to maritime matters,” she noted.
‘Promote ports, set up marine computation centres’
The lecture series also featured former ambassador Sudhir Devare, chairman of RIS’s Research Advisory Council, who discussed Indian maritime sector’s potential to enhance economic connectivity.
He highlighted key initiatives like the Sagar Project and the blue economy framework, which aim to harness the ocean’s resources for sustainable growth and global cooperation.
He further spoke about the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC), a think tank created in 2023 with the support of the Ministry of Shipping, to strengthen India’s maritime sector and foster global connectivity.
Another key speaker, Dr Joy Sen, a regional planning expert and professor at Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, examined India’s deep-rooted connection to the sea. He looked at the country’s ancient maritime trade routes, tracing links to South East Asia, China, and beyond. His presentation focused on the role of India’s maritime heritage in shaping global trade networks and its potential for modern economic development.
“One of the greatest possibilities of India’s marine future is to promote its port lands which are connected with adventure tourism, historic tourism and ancient tourism,” Sen said.
Sen called for a rethinking of India’s maritime future. He traced India’s maritime legacy from ancient seafaring links to modern initiatives focused on port development, security, and marine spatial planning. “Ships didn’t just carry goods, they carried cultures and framed histories,” he pointed out.
He proposed the creation of marine computation centres that would bridge the gap between traditional industries and modern maritime technologies. These centres, he said, could serve as hubs for innovation, job creation, and sustainable development within the sector.
“These centres would focus on integrated regional data systems and marine planning, generating thousands of new jobs. This initiative will help shape the future of India’s maritime workforce, preparing them for the next 15 years,” he explained.
Source : THE WEEK