Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Indian Navy unveils new uniform
The Indian Navy recently unveiled a new design for the Admirals' Epaulets, a decorative shoulder piece that signifies an officer's rank. On Navy Day, December 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the updated epaulets would "reflect the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj." Admirals in the Indian Navy hold two, three, and four-star ranks. In the Navy, the four-star rank of admiral is followed by vice admiral.
Know the elements
The Admiral Epaulet has four elements on it - a golden Navy button, an octagon, a sword and a telescope. Gold navy buttons emphasize the navy's determination to "do away with the mindset of slavery." The gold button replaces the previous gold shoulder board, and the buttons now display the new naval ensign. Last year, the Indian Navy altered its ensign and replaced the red Saint George's Cross with a blue octagon featuring the national emblem above an anchor.
Significance of the octagonal shape
Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Rajmudra, the octagonal shape (now red) is a key element of the design. It is placed below the golden button on the epaulet. Featuring the red Rajmudra (royal stamp), the new design symbolizes the "eight-cardinal directions to represent an all-round long-term vision." The phrase "Satyamev Jayate," or "Truth only Triumphs," is inscribed on the octagon.
Check out the Indian Navy Spokesperson's X post
Indian sword and telescope symbolism
An Indian sword beneath the Rajmudra signifies the "cutting edge of national power and winning wars through dominance, defeating adversaries and overcoming every challenge." The telescope and Indian sword form a cross, with the telescope taking the place of the baton in the new epaulet. Prime Minister Modi also declared that the Indian Navy would name its ranks according to Indian traditions, drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's naval legacy.
Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the Maratha warrior king and the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. It was Chhatrapati Shivaji who first recognized the value of having a powerful navy. Shivaji was a strong proponent of fortifications and constructed numerous coastal forts across the Konkan coast, including Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg, according to the Navy. He assured their solid defense by building the forts on hillocks overlooking the coast.
