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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.
List of contents
About Maritime History Society Foreword Author's Preface 1. Southern Peninsular India
2. Maritime Heritage of Tamilaham
3. Physical Environment
4. Costs and Seas around
5. Sea Influences of the Neidal
6. Ancient Ports of Tamilaham
7. Ancient Maritime Trade and Hinterland Linkages
8. Medieval Ports: 5th to 15th Centuries A. D.
9. Medieval Sea Trade
10. Merchant Guilds
11. Ports of Colonial Period
12. Modern Major Ports
13. Sea Trade Since Colonial Times
14. Kattumarams, Dug-Outs and Outrigger Boats
15. Boat Forms of Kerala Coast
16. Boats of Tamil Nadu Coast
17. Southern Navies
18. Piracy in South Indian Waters
19. Wisdom of the Sea and the Sky of the Seamen
20. Celestial Navigation
21. Stars for Port Location Fix
22. Sea Ventures of South Indian Seamen
23. Early and Medieval Sea-Routes
24. Navigation Hazards and Traditional Landmarks
25. Modern Navigation Landmarks
26. Pre-Admiralty Marine Charts
27. Marine Resources
28. Traditional Sea Manuals
29. Folk Lores, Songs and Ballads
30. Deities, Beliefs, Faith and Medicine
31. Retrospect and Prospect
Index
About the author
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.
