Hello friends,
The Indian Naval Maritime Museum in Fort Kochi, Kerala, is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of India’s naval power. The museum, which opened in 2001 and is housed in two fascinating British pillbox-style bunkers built in 1938, highlights the Indian Navy’s contributions to national security and prosperity, as well as the country’s rich nautical heritage.
Photo 01 - One of the dummy weapons is installed at the entrance of the museum.
Photo 02 - Main entrance of the museum with ticket window
Photo 03 - Before the visitors enter, the guide explains their surroundings.
The museum is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of India’s maritime history, and it is located inside INS Dronacharya, India’s sole gunnery school. The main building houses a large collection of items, including rare pictures, ship models, prototypes, original weapons, uniforms, medals for the most prestigious awards, and maps. The exhibits are arranged chronologically, beginning with ancient India and ending with the present.
Photo 04 - The guns and important weapons are at display.
Photo 05 - Twin Barrel anti-aircraft gatling guns and Banshee traget drones are on display.
Photo 06 - Among the things on display are some of the earliest instruments and anchors; you will notice that most of the items have self-explanatory boards next to them.
Photo 07 - Signboards guiding visitors on the premises
Photo 08 - Special mines and submarine explosives are on display.
Photo 09 - Ships telegraph for ship navigation, an old internal staircase, and lifebelts from the ship INS Maple are on display.
Photo 10 - The signboards displaying the evolution of Indian Navy - 1783 - 1941
Photo 11 - You cannot conclude Indian naval evolution without mentioning the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivajimaharaj and its ambitious Maratha naval army.
Photo 12 - Warship replicas are on exhibit.
Photo 13 - This was the Parting Gift presented by future Pakistan Navy to Indian Navy on the occasion of the partition.
Photo 14 - The list of medals is in order of precedence by the Government of India.
Photo 15 - 3D-style frames were exhibited there.
Photo 16 - A special brief on Vasco Da Gama and one of the great patriots of Kerala, Kunjali Marakkar is also on display.
There are many such things in the exhibits, and you need a good time to go through it.
To summarize the exhibits, here are some highlights:
- How Indian shipbuilding expertise spread Indian culture to southern asian countries
- The rise of Maratha naval power under the great king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his first naval commander, Kanhoji Angre, who built a fleet and fort along the coast of Maharashtra
- Details about operations like the Junagadh operation, the liberation of Goa, and the Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971
- The valiant Indian sailors who perished in World Wars I and II
- Trades like spice trade ties with the Portuguese, Dutch, and Arabs; periods in Indian maritime history; information on ancient and modern sea routes; Indian ports; and the development of Cochin Port
- A brief on
- the arrival of Vasco da Gama to the port of Calicut,
- The brave patriotic Kunjali Marrakar
- The famous ships and its valiant commanders, who laid down their lives during the wars- The evolution of Indian Navy and its dress-code, weapons, etc
- Drills and experiments in Indian sea water
The museum is open to the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except Mondays and government holidays.
The admission fees are:
- for adults is Rs. 40,
- while children are free.
- For foreigners, the fee is Rs. 100 (USD 1.2).
- Camera charges of Rs. 100 (US$1.2) are extra.
They also have a pavilion where a short film about the history of the Indian Navy is presented, along with narration in both Hindi and English. I am proud to say that my daughter provided the voiceover in both languages. They also have guides who will walk you through the entire facility and provide all of the information.
This is a great initiative by the Indian Navy and the Indian Naval Maritime Museum to highlight its rich heritage and develop enthusiasm in all generations. Make sure to put the Indian Naval Maritime Museum on your bucket list if you’re going to Kochi.
A special note for @Tejal Ben: if you need to present this for your school kids, I can request a video show for them. Do let me know.
Some of the nearest attractions are:
David Hall and contemporary Art Gallery and cafe
I hope you will enjoy this post. If anyone has some additional information or photos, then please share them in the comments below.
Cheers!