New Indian Naval Ensign

New Indian Naval Ensign: Features

• In a move to get rid of the colonial past, the Saint George’s Cross (a red cross with white background) has been removed from the New Indian Naval Ensign
• The New Indian Naval Ensign features Golden National emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka – with ‘Satyamev Jayate’ underscribed in blue Devanagari script) with the Tricolour on the upper canton (top left corner of flag).

• In New Indian Naval Ensign national emblem is encompassed by an octagonal shield and sits atop an anchor. Beneath it is the Navy’s motto ‘Sam No Varunah’(a Vedic mantra invoking the god of seas to be auspicious) written in Devanagari script.
• The golden border surrounding the national emblem in New Indian Naval Ensign draws inspiration from the seal of Indian emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and depicts
• The octagonal shape of the national emblem has been designed to represent eight directions, symbolising the multi-directional reach and multi-dimensional operational capability of the Indian Navy.

New Indian Naval Ensign: Significance

• It will do way with the colonial past and will be befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage.
• Having our own ensign help in building the morale of the armed forces and instills a sense of pride.

Maratha Supremacy of the Seas During the Reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1674-80)

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj put great emphasis on sea-faring prowess, and laid the foundations of a modern naval force in the 17^th
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ensured a strong naval presence along the Konkan coast to protect the sea trade of the Maratha Empire.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built ships in towns such as Kalyan, Bhivandi, and Goa, both for trade and to establish a fighting navy. He also built several sea forts and bases for repair, storage and shelter.
• Shivaji fought many lengthy battles with Siddis of Janjira on coastline.
• The fleet grew to reportedly 160 to 700 merchant, support and fighting vessels. He started trading with foreigners on his own after possession of eight or nine ports in the Deccan.
• Role of Kanhoji Angre (1669-1729):
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the commander of Maratha navy, and is credited with laying a strong naval foundation which ensured that the Marathas were a sea-faring power to reckon with.
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ensured that the merchants plying their trade for the Maratha Empire were protected on the seas. He set up a base in Colaba with more bases at Suvarndurg and Vijaydurg near Ratnagiri.
  • Kanhoji is credited with holding his own against the English, Portuguese and Dutch naval forces.

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