New Ensign of the Indian Navy
I was planning to initiate a quiz programme on this year's Navy Day (4th December). But, due to my usual procrastination and some urgent official work, I failed to do so on that day. But, based upon the information collected for that purpose, I am raising this post. Those who are interested in Indian Armed Forces and those who are going to appear in various competitive recruitment examinations, may find this useful.The Indian Naval Ensign was earlier based on the design of Royal Navy of Britain. But, in 2022, the Ensign has been changed. The Indian Navy Ensign now reflects the maritime legacy of a great Indian ruler.
The octagonal shape of the present Ensign of the Indian Navy is derived from the 'Raja Mudra' (Imperial Sign) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Those who are interested in maritime history, know that the navy of the Chola empire was exceptionally strong. There were many naval expeditions by naval contingents of the Chola empires, even to the far east as well as to Africa. During the medieval period, many local rulers of Bengal and Assam used to maintain naval contingent for riverine warfare. Please recall the great Battle of Saraighat, the biggest riverine battle in India where Aurangzeb was trounced by Ahom generals, Lachit Borphukan and Atan Burgohain.
But during the medieval period, the far-sighted Shivaji developed his navy to fight enemies in the Arabian Sea. Even the Mughals didn't have a proper navy at that time. At the time of his coronation, Shivaji had a fleet of 60 ships ranging from 30 tons to 150 tons under his naval general Kanoji Angre. He developed thirteen naval ports along the Konkan coast and also collaborated with the Siddis of Janjira.
Some scholars call Shivaji the 'Father of the Indian Navy'.
The present Indian Navy Ensign befittingly carries his legacy. I am uploading the image of the Indian Navy Ensign as attachment.
