![]() India is deemed to be one of the top ten naval powers of the world. India owes its recognition and glory to the devotion and selfless services rendered by the valiant men of India's formidable naval force. Maritime Museum projects the origin, history, evolution and landmarks of the Indian Navy. The heritage of Indian Navy dates back to Indus Valley civilizations. The museum highlights about the evolution of the navy since 1612, when the Indian Marine was established in Surat. It also portrays some essential sailing ploys that were utilized by the sailors in the absence of the Indian Navy. In ancient period the kings took up the responsibility of protecting the Indian coastline. The Maritime Museum exhibits various aspects of ship building activities. A particular department displays exotic vessels and boats and other elements. A 300-year old boat of the King of Ambalapuzha carved out of a single tree can also be seen here. The boat belonged to the medieval period. These examples date to the 3rd century BC and the 12th century AD. Another interesting thing about the Maritime Museum of Cochin is that it demonstrates different ways of ship building. This reveals the India's ability in shipbuilding, which helped in spreading Indian culture to the islands of Java, Sumatra and Bali between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD. A complete section of Cochin Maritime Museum is devoted to the glory and stories of achievements of Indian Navy. It highlights about the navy men when they took on its aggressors and eventually won almost all the battles in water. The stories include incidents like Junagadhoperation, the Goa liberation, Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971, Operation Cactus, Operation Pawan and the strategic manoeuvres during Kargil. Other sections of the museum emphasise about the bravery and courage of the Indian armada, which has taken place through the ages till present. The visitors of the museum are enlightened by the various artefacts that have been put to display. An exclusive hall has also been dedicated in the memory of Kunjali Marakkar. He is legendry man in the history of Indian maritime. His stories of bravery and his strategies are reflected here. He is regarded as the most glorious wartime hero ever in history of Indian Navy. |