Indian Maritime History

In this episode, we explore the maritime history of India, tracing how coastal regions and powerful dynasties used naval skill, shipbuilding, trade, and diplomacy to expand India’s influence across Southeast Asia and beyond. From the ancient seafaring traditions of Kalinga in Odisha and the spread of Buddhism to Java and Sri Lanka, to the legacy preserved in the Bali Yatra festival, the episode highlights India’s deep connection to oceanic travel and cultural exchange. It also examines Mughal-era shipbuilding as a sophisticated state-backed industry and the Pandya Kingdom’s merchant guilds, including the Ainnurruvar and Manigramam, whose overseas networks shaped commerce, administration, and society. Together, these histories reveal India as a major maritime power built on pioneering navigation, thriving ports, and far-reaching global connections.