1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave
21-12-2024
09:30 AM
1 min read

Overview:
The 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024), organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, celebrated India's maritime legacy and contributions to global trade while discussing future innovations.
Key Highlights of IMHC 2024
- Theme: "Towards Understanding India's Position in Global Maritime History" focused on India’s contributions to global maritime trade, culture, and innovation.
- Exhibitions: Showcased ancient shipbuilding techniques, navigational tools, and historical trade routes through 20+ stalls.
- Global participation: Nations such as Greece, Italy, and the UK joined the conclave, emphasizing the global significance of India's maritime history.
- Cultural integration: A vibrant cultural program celebrated India’s coastal traditions, blending scholarship with festivity.
- Discussions and panels: Explored India’s maritime history and its future aspirations, including the role of youth, skill development, and sustainable practices in the maritime sector.
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal
- Location and Historical Importance:
- Situated in Lothal, Gujarat, an ancient Indus Valley Civilization site (2600 BCE).
- Archaeological evidence includes the world’s oldest man-made dockyard, over 5,000 years old.
- · Features of NMHC: Aims to be one of the world’s largest maritime complexes, integrating historical and modern maritime activities. Highlights include:
- 14 thematic galleries.
- Open Aquatic Gallery and Lighthouse Museum.
- Eco-resorts, theme parks, and maritime research institutes.
- Modern Maritime Strength:
- India boasts a 7,500 km coastline, 13 major ports, and 200 non-major ports.
- Indian ports handle 95% of trade volume, contributing 70% to the trade value, leveraging its strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region.

Q1: What was the theme of IMHC 2024?
The theme was "Towards Understanding India's Position in Global Maritime History," focusing on India's historical and contemporary contributions to global maritime trade, culture, and innovation.