Bharatiya Nausena Aetihasik Sarvekshan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bharatiya Nausena Aetihasik Sarvekshan" by Gayantrinath Pant, focusing on the historical survey of the Indian Navy:

The book "Bharatiya Nausena Aetihasik Sarvekshan" by Gayantrinath Pant presents a detailed historical overview of the Indian Navy, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the modern era. The author begins by highlighting humanity's enduring fascination with the sea, initially for recreation and exploration, and later for transportation, trade, and warfare. This innate human curiosity naturally extended to the maritime domain.

Early Maritime History:

Indus Valley Civilization: The text points to the presence of boats in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, particularly in the context of the Indus River. Excavations at Lothal (Gujarat) have revealed a dockyard dating back to 2500 BCE, indicating significant water trade. A seal from this period depicts a boat shaped like a 'makara' (sea creature), with a helmsman steering it with oars.
Vedic Period: Vedic literature provides evidence of a strong Indian seafaring tradition and maritime trade. The Rigveda mentions vessels that navigated the seas. While some interpretations suggest "air-sea trade," the author considers this overly speculative. The Shatapatha Brahmana refers to a ship that ascended to heaven. Literary works from this era also detail water trade in Bengal, Sindh, and South India.
Yukta Kalpataru: This ancient treatise on shipbuilding is highlighted for its detailed descriptions of ship designs, types, uses, and construction methods. It categorizes ships into 20 types, with differing dimensions. Three main categories of ships are mentioned: 'Sarvamandira,' 'Madhyamandira,' and 'Agnimandira.' The 'Agnimandira' was a warship, while the others were used for leisure, fishing, and trade.
Epic Period (Mahabharata): The Mahabharata mentions seafaring journeys and naval battles. Sahadeva's maritime expeditions and conquests are described. The text also refers to King Nala's challenge to the Nishadha King Guhak to prepare 500 warships for a naval engagement. These instances suggest a considerable control over the seas by the Vedic era.

Progress Through Different Dynasties:

Pre-Mauryan Period: By 325 BCE, shipbuilding was advanced, and India had established sea connections with foreign nations. Alexander the Great reportedly relied on Indian craftsmen for boats to cross the Indus River.
Mauryan Empire: The navy was nationalized during the Mauryan period, becoming a state monopoly. According to Pliny, ships averaged around 75 tons. A dedicated naval department was established, headed by a 'Navadhyaksha.' The author refutes the idea that the 'Navadhyaksha' was purely a civilian administrative officer, arguing that protecting national vessels from pirates was one of his key roles. Chanakya's Arthashastra also supports the destruction of pirate and enemy ships and the defense of ports. Ashoka's extensive interactions with Lanka and other islands imply a substantial naval department under his rule.
Satavahana Dynasty: Artistic depictions from the Sanchi Stupa (2nd century BCE) show small boats with oars, indicative of the prevailing boat designs of the era. Sculptures at Kanheri also feature a ship. Coins of the Andhra rulers of the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE depict ships with two masts, and one ruler issued a coin featuring a ship, signifying the importance of maritime vessels in their economy.
Ajanta Caves: The paintings in the Ajanta Caves (522-650 CE) offer vivid depictions of boats and ships. One painting shows a ship navigating fast-flowing water, while another illustrates a large 'makara'-shaped vessel carrying soldiers, cavalry, and elephants, likely related to a campaign to Lanka.
Pallava Dynasty: Coins from the 7th century CE show ships with two masts. Mahabalipuram was a major maritime center, with remnants of a lighthouse built for guiding ships.
Gupta Empire: The importance of the navy was well-established. Samudragupta possessed many ships. Chandragupta Vikramaditya extended his influence from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal through naval power. Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II launched a naval attack on Puri. Indian ships also gained renown abroad, with Buddhist Jataka tales frequently mentioning sea voyages to Burma, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, Africa, and China. The Borobudur temple in Java features beautiful depictions of Indian ships.
Bengal: Bengal is described as a land of seafarers. Kalidasa's Raghuvansham mentions successful naval expeditions by King Raghu against Bengal, indicating the presence of a naval force. Copperplate inscriptions from the 6th century CE suggest the existence of ports.
Pala Dynasty: The Palas significantly enhanced their naval strength, making it a crucial part of their regular army. Inscriptions detail naval expeditions along the Bhagirathi river and conquests in South Bengal. The Sena dynasty, particularly Emperor Vijayasena (1096-1158 CE), controlled vast water areas up to the Ganga River.

Southern Indian Maritime Prowess:

Chola Empire: Tamil literature provides reliable accounts of South Indian vessels. Chola period lighthouses and their construction are described. Chola ships not only operated along the coast but also crossed the Bay of Bengal. The Cholas held sway over South India by the end of the 10th century. Rajendra the Great began his conquests by defeating the Chera navy in 950 CE. Rajendra Chola (974-1013 CE) conquered numerous islands, including Sri Lanka.

Medieval Maritime Developments:

Sindh: Sindh lost its naval dominance in the medieval period, with its rulers possessing a weak fleet, making them vulnerable to pirates.
Arab Invasions: Arabs utilized their naval power during their invasions of India. Muhammad bin Qasim entered the port of Deval near Thatta in 712 CE, crossed the Indus River with a flotilla, and conquered Sindh.
Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni: In the 11th century, Sultan Mahmud engaged in a significant naval battle against the Jats. He had 1400 warships equipped with iron spikes, which decimated the Jats' 4000 boats.
Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurid ruler Balban's campaign against Tughril Khan in Bengal (13th century) involved a naval attack where Tughril's fleet was destroyed.
14th Century: Ship repair and construction were flourishing. Marco Polo praised the skill of Indian artisans. Sultan Firoz Shah's campaigns against Lakhnauti and Thatta involved naval engagements. Timur Lang crossed the Indus River via a bridge of boats.
Gujarat: Gujarat played a significant role in maritime affairs, providing good ports for sea trade. In 1521, the Gujarati admiral attacked Portuguese ships. Sultan Mahmud Begada (1459-1511) was a powerful ruler with a well-equipped navy. He attacked the Portuguese with Turkish assistance in 1507, sinking their ships. However, in 1509, the Portuguese avenged their defeat.

Mughal Era and European Influence:

Mughal Navy: The Mughals recognized the importance of the navy. Emperor Babur was an accomplished swimmer and crossed several Indian rivers. He captured enemy vessels on the Ganga. His boats had artistic depictions. Akbar established a dedicated naval department under Mir Bahri. Key shipbuilding centers were Bengal, Kashmir, Allahabad, and Lahore. Akbar's naval expeditions, like the attack on Patna in 1574, involved ships equipped to carry elephants, horses, and personnel. Raja Todar Mal was dispatched with 1,000 ships for a campaign in Gujarat. Battles against Kedar Ray of Sripur also involved significant naval deployments.
Jahangir: Jahangir reorganized the navy to counter Afghan and Magh incursions, sending a fleet against rebels in Assam.
Shah Jahan: Shah Jahan faced challenges from Portuguese incursions, who even captured Mughal soldiers and sold them as slaves. He ordered Qasim Khan to eliminate the Portuguese, leading to the siege of Hooghly (1632), which resulted in the deaths and capture of thousands of Portuguese.
Aurangzeb: Aurangzeb's reign saw naval conflicts, including a successful encounter with the King of Kuch Bihar's fleet. His most significant naval encounter was with the British Navy. While Shah Jahan had taken action against the Portuguese, he was more lenient with the English, allowing them to establish factories. The conflict between the Mughals and the East India Company arose from the Company's disregard for Mughal authority, leading to skirmishes and eventual settlements.
Marathas: The Marathas also maintained a strong naval presence. Shahji Bhosale fought successful naval battles against the Portuguese. Shivaji's maritime campaigns posed a threat to the English and Portuguese. He built a formidable fleet based at Kolaba, which challenged the Abyssinian pirates of Janjira and plundered Mughal ships.
Angre Dynasty: The Angres were prominent maritime figures. Kanhoji Angre established a naval empire along the Malabar coast. He attacked Bombay and captured Khandagiri. The English navy inflicted damage on his fleet, but he rebuilt it. Joint attacks by the English and Portuguese were repelled. Kanhoji captured the English ship 'Derby' and also seized Portuguese and Dutch vessels. The East India Company had to spend significantly to protect its coastal trade from the Angres. Kanhoji's successors continued their naval activities.
Portuguese Expansion: The Portuguese, driven by Prince Henry the Navigator's vision, established sea routes to India. Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498. The Portuguese fleet, under Almeida and Albuquerque, was active in India. However, the English defeated the Portuguese in naval battles in 1612 and 1615, eventually achieving decisive victory in 1622. After Aurangzeb's death, the English gained control of Bengal, and their maritime dominance led to the eventual subjugation of India.

British Naval Dominance and Modern Indian Navy:

British East India Company: The British East India Company established a naval squadron for defense. Shipyards were set up, and the "Bombay Marine" became significant. Indian shipbuilders, particularly Parsis from Surat, constructed numerous vessels for the British government. Facing threats from Hyder Ali, shipbuilding centers were established in Bengal. Calcutta emerged as a major shipbuilding hub.
East India Company's Fleet: The Company's fleet participated in wars in Burma and China and explored regions like the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. The Company's shipping declined after 1840 and ceased operations entirely in 1863 when British rule was directly established. Key ship types of this era are mentioned.
World Wars and Technological Advancements: The text notes the impact of World War I on naval warfare, leading to advancements in weaponry and the development of submarines. The early concepts and evolution of submarines are discussed, highlighting their strategic importance.
Naval Warfare: The author elaborates on naval tactics and the balance required between offensive and defensive capabilities. The importance of matching ship classes in battles is emphasized, with cruisers and destroyers often engaging larger battleships in coordinated efforts.
Post-Independence Indian Navy: The book highlights the transformation of the Indian Navy after India's independence. The removal of "Royal" from its name and its renaming as the "Indian Navy" in 1950 marked a new era. The President's Fleet Commander's Flag was awarded in 1951. The acquisition of warships, destroyers, and frigates from Britain, along with new vessels like INS Mysore and INS Magar, modernized the fleet.
INS Vikrant: The induction of INS Vikrant, a 20,000-ton aircraft carrier, in 1961 is presented as a significant milestone. It was equipped with modern fighter, reconnaissance, and torpedo aircraft.
Naval Training and Infrastructure: The text details the establishment and expansion of naval training institutions in India, including the National Defence Academy, INS Shivaji, and INS Valsura. Cochin emerged as a major training center.
Shipbuilding Self-Sufficiency: Efforts towards self-sufficiency in shipbuilding are discussed, with the construction of survey ships and auxiliary naval craft. The plan to build destroyers and frigates in India, in collaboration with British companies, is mentioned. The Hindustan Shipyard in Visakhapatnam played a crucial role in building India's first hydrographic ship, INS Darshak, in 1965. This ship, equipped with modern surveying equipment and a helicopter, was designed to map sea routes for naval and merchant vessels.
Hydrographic Survey: The importance of hydrographic surveying for safe navigation is emphasized, with INS Yamuna, Sutlej, and Investigator also mentioned for their roles in charting Indian waters.

In conclusion, the book "Bharatiya Nausena Aetihasik Sarvekshan" portrays the Indian Navy as a powerful force with a rich and continuous history, demonstrating India's enduring maritime strength and its commitment to self-reliance and national security.