India has had a maritime history dating back to around 4,500 years, since the Indus Valley Civilization. There are many references of the maritime trade activities of India in ancient Sanskrit and Pali scriptures. India had trade with several nations like Cambodia, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, China, South American
countries and Mesopotamia (Greece). Excavations undertaken in Mohenjodero (an Ancient archaeological site, now in Pakistan) refer to sailing ships and references to sea ships are also found in the paintings at the world famous caves in Ajanta.
Some of the prime examples of Indian contribution to the science of Navigation and the technique of ship building include:
• The word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word Navgath. Navigation, as a science originated during the Indus valley civilization some 5000 years ago.
• The world’s first tidal dock was built in Lothal around 2500 BC during the Harappan civilisation at Lothal near the present day Mangrol harbour on the Gujarat coast.
• Emperor Chandragupta Maurya (4th century BC) had an entire state department for sailing activities and appointed Navadhyaksha (Sailing Superintendent) for the same.
• Images of ships are observed to be carved on the Sanchi stupa at Bodhgaya suggests the use of huge ships for overseas trade during those times.
• Ancient Indians were also probably the first to use maritime instruments like Sextants (used to measure angles of elevation above the horizon) and the Mariners compass (known as the Maccha Yantra in Sanskrit).
All these evidences clearly point to the fact that the science of Navigation and Ship Building progressed in India thousands of years ago and made maritime trade possible. Indians pioneered the science of Navigation that has helped develop modern trade and transport activities by sea. The trade which India carried on since ancient times with different countries around the world through ocean routes also helped to introduce items like cotton, pepper and other spices to the world.
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