Maritime Heritage of Southern Peninsular India

First published in 2010, Maritime Heritage of Southern Peninsular India is a comprehensive exploration of the maritime traditions of the Indian Peninsula, South of 14 N. The book examines the region’s enduring cultural connection to the sea since the historic period, delving into maritime skills, techniques, tools, sea voyages, and adventures. It also highlights the deep ties between coastal communities and the sea, reflected in their culture, folklore, daily life, festivals, and sea deities. Based on extensive fieldwork and archival research, this work is an essential resource for scholars of Indian maritime history, history of Indian navigation, historical geography, geography and South Asian studies.

Late Professor B. Arunachalam will be fondly remembered for his scholarly contributions to Indian Geography, especially in the field of Geomorphology and Cartography and for opening new vistas of academic collaboration and research in the professional field of history of Indian navigation.

About the Maritime History Society:

The Maritime History Society (MHS), an academic initiative of the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy was established on 12 May 1978 by the late Vice Admiral MP Awati with a vision to promote the study of India’s maritime history. MHS has grown into a leading research organisation dedicated to exploring the country’s rich maritime heritage and naval legacy. As part of its academic mission, MHS undertakes a wide range of activities including publication of scholarly books, hosting seminars, lectures, workshops and curating maritime-themed museums, exhibitions and heritage projects including the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat. The Society also maintains a well- curated gallery with over 2,000 artefacts, a reference library and digital presence featuring blogs and display of artefacts. Its collaboration with Talyor and Francis under the Routledge Revival series further extends its educational outreach. We hope that these publications will inspire a new generation of researchers and scholars, contributing to a deeper understanding of India’s rich maritime past and naval legacy.