Author: Baldeo Sahai
Publisher: Publications Division
Year: 1996
Language: English
Pages: 372
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8123002718
Description
This book, completed under the auspices of the Indian National Commission for History of Science, provides a complete history of India's many faceted maritime activity from the earliest times right up to the present days.
The author, referring to the glorious era of Indian Shipping in Southeast Asian region, asks: Why the Hindu Kingdom of Funan fell, Srivijaya collapsed, Shailendras bowed out? They had raised powerful navies, conducted successful expeditions and were not wanting in the art of warfare. And answers, Geography was against them and played a major role in shaping history Perhaps it is the eternal discontent in the human heart which compels man to move up, reach a plateau, and again make a push to climb another peak depends upon how wide a plateau the peak has.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
.. About the present volume I can only say that it is a scholarly and unique work written in a style which makes it not only highly informative and educative but also immensely readable says Dr. C.P. Srivastava, Secretary General emeritus, International Maritime Organization, U.N. in his Foreword to the book. Recipient of decorations from Kings of Sweden, Norway and Spain and a knighthood from the Queen of England, Sir C.P. adds, Furthermore, it is the only book which provides a complete history of India's many faceted maritime activity from the earliest times right up to the present days.
Contents
I Indian Shipping - The Beginning
II Indo-Arab Relations
III The Glorious Era
IV Shipping During the Guptas and the Cholas
V Portuguese Enter the Indian Ocean
VI Shipping Under the Mughals
VII Dutch, French, British and other Trading Companies
VIII Shipbuilding and Instrumentation
IX Indian Shipping After Independence
References and Notes
Bibliography
Manuscripts
Abbreviations
Index