Indian Navy’s New Ensign Inspired By Shivaji Maharaj; Know Why?

New Delhi: The launch of the Indian Navy’s new ensign coincided with the commissioning of the country’s first homemade aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at the Cochin Shipyard today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the carrier, housing state-of-the-art automation features and built at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore and also unveiled the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past.

One of the design elements of the ensign honours Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha kingdom who had a naval fleet. The new ensign has the national flag on the upper canton. A blue octagonal shape with the national emblem sits atop an anchor, superimposed on a shield with the navy’s motto.

“The octagonal shape with twin golden borders draws inspiration from the seal of the great Indian emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose visionary maritime outlook established a credible naval fleet,” the navy said in a video showcasing the new ensign.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s fleet comprised “60 fighting ships and approximately 5,000 men. The rising Maratha naval power during Shivaji Maharaj’s period was the first to secure the coastline against external aggression,” the navy said in the video.

The anchor symbol represents “steadfastness”, the navy said.