India was a great maritime and sea faring nation many centuries ago. India’s commercial and maritime influence spread as far as China, all over South-East Asia, Red Sea and gulf littoral because of formidable building ships and operating capabilities. However, after the 13th century, lack of appreciation of maritime importance by Indian rulers led to significant decline in sea power. The maritime forts of India were mute witness to the erosion of India’s maritime power and power play of the Portuguese, French, Dutch and English sea warriors.
