Bharatiya Nausena Aetihasik Sarvekshana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bharatiya Nausena Aetihasik Sarvekshan" by Gayatrinath Pant, based on the provided pages:

"Bharatiya Nausena Aetihasik Sarvekshan" (An Historical Survey of the Indian Navy) by Gayatrinath Pant

This extensive survey traces the rich and continuous history of maritime and naval development in India from ancient times to the mid-20th century. The author emphasizes that the ocean's allure has driven human innovation, leading to advancements in transportation, trade, and warfare at sea.

Key Epochs and Developments:

• Ancient Roots (Indus Valley Civilization onwards):

  • The Indus Valley Civilization (around 2500 BCE) at Lothal shows evidence of a sophisticated dockyard, indicating significant maritime trade.
  • The 'makara' (sea monster) shaped boat depicted on a seal highlights early nautical designs.
  • Vedic literature, including the Rigveda and Shatpatha Brahmana, mentions sea-faring vessels, indicating established maritime trade and voyages.
  • The Yukti Kalpataru is a significant ancient text detailing ship construction, types, and usage, classifying ships into 20 categories with distinct types for leisure, fishing, trade, and warfare ('Sarvamandir', 'Madhyamandir', 'Agnimandir').
  • The Mahabharata describes naval journeys and battles, including Sahadeva's sea voyages and Nishadhraj Guhak's call for 500 warships, demonstrating a considerable level of maritime control.

• The Mauryan Era (Nationalization and Administration):

  • The Mauryan period saw the nationalization of the navy, making it a state monopoly.
  • Pliny notes the average ship size was around 75 tons.
  • A dedicated naval department was established, headed by the 'Navadhyaksha' (Superintendent of Ships).
  • Chanakya's Arthashastra advocated for naval strength to protect ports and destroy enemy ships, supporting the idea that the 'Navadhyaksha' had responsibilities including combating sea pirates.
  • Ashoka's extensive interactions with Sri Lanka and other regions implicitly point to a well-organized naval department.

• Artistic and Numismatic Evidence:

  • Artistic depictions from the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE) on the Sanchi stupa show small boats with oars.
  • Sculptures at Kanheri also feature a ship.
  • Coins from the Andhra rulers (2nd-3rd century CE) depict ships with masts, suggesting advancements in sailing technology. King Yajna Shri Satakarni even issued a coin specifically depicting a ship, highlighting the importance of maritime transport in the economy.

• Gupta and Post-Gupta Periods (Expansion and Overseas Influence):

  • The Gupta period witnessed significant naval prowess. Samudragupta used naval power to defeat the Shakas and establish dominance from the Arabian Sea to Bengal.
  • The Chalukya king Pulakeshin II launched a naval attack on Puri.
  • Indian ships gained fame abroad, as evidenced by their mention in Buddhist Jataka tales. Indian mariners reached Burma, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, Africa, and China.
  • Beautiful depictions of Indian ships are found in Borobudur, Java. Dr. Radha Kumud Mukherjee categorizes these into three types based on size and mast configuration.
  • Legends speak of a Gujarat king conquering Java with a large fleet. Indian navies played a crucial role in spreading Indian civilization and culture across Southeast Asia.
  • Bengal, known as the "land of water," had a strong maritime tradition from ancient times. Kalidasa's "Raghuvamsha" mentions a successful naval expedition by Raghu against Bengal, indicating a strong Bengali navy.
  • Pala rulers, by establishing dominance in Bengal and Bihar, significantly enhanced their naval power, making it a key component of their regular army. Inscriptions detail naval expeditions along the Ganges and victories in Southern Bengal.
  • The Sena dynasty, particularly Emperor Vijay Sen (1096-1158 CE), controlled vast water territories up to the Ganges.

• South Indian Maritime Dominance (Cholas):

  • Tamil literature provides valuable insights into South Indian maritime activities.
  • Chola period lighthouse construction and navigation techniques are well-documented.
  • Chola ships sailed beyond coastal waters into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Raja Raja the Great initiated his conquests by defeating the Chera navy in 950 CE. His son, Rajendra Chola, conquered numerous principalities, including Sri Lanka, by sinking enemy ships in the ocean.

• Medieval Period (Shifting Powers and External Invasions):

  • Sindh lost its naval supremacy in the medieval period due to a weak fleet.
  • Arab invaders, like Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 CE, utilized naval power for their invasions, crossing the Indus River with the help of boats.
  • Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni's 17th and final campaign against the Jats involved a naval battle where his 1400 warships, equipped with iron spikes, defeated the Jats' 4000 boats.
  • The Ghurid dynasty's naval engagements, like Sultan Balban's attack on Tughril Khan in Bengal (1266-1286 CE), involved riverine warfare and the destruction of enemy fleets.
  • The 14th century saw significant ship repair and construction, with Marco Polo praising the skill of Indian artisans.
  • Sultan Firoz Shah's campaigns involved naval battles.
  • Timur Lang crossed the Indus River using a boat bridge in 1388.
  • Gujarat played a prominent role, providing good ports for maritime trade. Gujarat's naval strength peaked under Mahmud Begarha (1459-1511), whose fleet was well-armed.

• The Portuguese and European Encounters:

  • The Portuguese, driven by Prince Henry the Navigator, reached India in 1498 under Vasco da Gama.
  • Portuguese fleets were active in India under Almeida and Albuquerque.
  • In 1507, the Gujarat ruler, with Turkish aid, defeated the Portuguese near Bombay. However, a decisive naval battle in 1509 near Diu saw the Portuguese decisively defeat the Muslim navy.
  • The English defeated the Portuguese in 1612, capturing Surat, and again in 1615 and 1622, leading to Portuguese decline and eventual English naval supremacy.

• The Mughal Era (Naval Reorganization and Conflicts):

  • Mughal founder Babur was a skilled swimmer and used naval tactics in his campaigns.
  • Akbar established a full naval department under Mir Bahari. Major shipbuilding centers were in Bengal, Kashmir, Allahabad, and Lahore.
  • Akbar utilized ships equipped to carry elephants, horses, and personnel in his campaigns. Raja Todar Mal led a fleet of 1,000 boats, and Man Singh used 100 warships in a battle against Kedar Ray.
  • Jahangir reorganized the navy ('Nawara') to counter Afghan and Mughal incursions. He dispatched a fleet against rebels in Assam.
  • Shah Jahan recognized the need for a strong navy to counter Portuguese incursions, leading to a siege of Hugli in 1632, resulting in heavy Portuguese casualties and captures.

• Aurangzeb and Early Anglo-Mughal Naval Conflicts:

  • Aurangzeb's forces fought naval battles, including a successful encounter with the Koch King's fleet.
  • Aurangzeb's most significant naval confrontation was with the English navy. While Shah Jahan had acted against the Portuguese, he had granted factories to the English.
  • The East India Company's growing defiance led to conflict. Despite the English acquiring Bombay, they clashed with Mughal governors. The Mughal Emperor, through diplomacy and seizing English factories, brought the Company to terms, leading to a treaty in 1688 and the establishment of the foundation for Calcutta.

• The Maratha Naval Power:

  • The Marathas, particularly under Shivaji, developed a formidable navy that challenged the English and Portuguese. Shivaji's fleet based at Kolaba attacked Portuguese and Mughal vessels.
  • The Kanhoji Angre period (1694-1750) marked an era of Maratha naval dominance along the western coast. Kanhoji Angre, as 'Darya Sarang,' attacked Bombay and captured Khandagiri.
  • Despite concerted attacks by the English and Portuguese, Kanhoji consistently rebuilt his fleet, capturing English and Dutch ships. The East India Company spent heavily to protect its coastal trade from Angre.
  • Kanhoji's successors, like Tulaji Angre, continued to inflict defeats on European navies.

• Modernization and Post-Independence Indian Navy:

  • The book concludes by discussing the significant progress in shipbuilding under the British.
  • The Indian Navy's journey began with the establishment of a 'squadron' in 1613 for protection, which was later formalized. Shipyards were established, and Indian families played a role in shipbuilding.
  • The East India Company's fleet participated in wars in Burma and China.
  • After 1840, the Company's shipping declined.
  • The advent of World War I and the discovery of submarines revolutionized naval warfare.
  • The book details the evolution of naval vessels, from battleships (' warships') protected by frigates and destroyers, to the crucial role of submarines.
  • It emphasizes the need for a balance between defensive and offensive capabilities in warship design.
  • The current era sees the importance of fast, submarine-resistant ships and the roles of frigates and cruisers. Aircraft carriers are highlighted as the latest development.
  • Post-Independence India embraced naval modernization. The navy was Indianized on January 26, 1950, removing the 'Royal' title.
  • India acquired its first warship, INS 'Delhi' (formerly HMS Achilles), in 1948. It was followed by destroyer ships like INS 'Rajput', 'Ranjit', and 'Rana', and Hunt-class destroyers named after rivers.
  • The Indian Navy acquired new ships like INS 'Mysore', specialized vessels, and the landing ship tank INS 'Magar'.
  • The crowning achievement was the acquisition of INS Vikrant, a 20,000-ton aircraft carrier, in 1961, equipped with modern fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft, serving as the Indian Navy's flagship.
  • India is striving for self-reliance in shipbuilding with training academies and shipbuilding centers like Cochin and Visakhapatnam.
  • The development of the INS Darshak, India's first hydrographic survey ship, is highlighted as a significant achievement, enabling the creation of navigational charts for naval and merchant vessels.
  • The survey emphasizes that the Indian Navy's story is a glorious saga embodying global power, economic progress, international harmony, and a declaration of India's self-defense capabilities.