Customs and Traditions of the Seafarers of Gujarat

Indian seafaring communities have made valuable contribution in nurturing the maritime heritage of India. Ancient Indian literature and archaeological evidence are testimonies to the fact that India had trade relations and sea links between Gujarat and Sri Lanka on the one hand, across the Bay of Bengal and beyond on the other. Strabo’s Geography refers to the western seaports in India and the traffic of sailboats between the Indus and Sri Lanka. India being located centrally in the North Indian Ocean had a lion’s share of early maritime activities and relations. Indian ports and harbours of ancient and medieval periods flourished and profited from the trade transactions, and became home to cosmopolitan communities of seafarers, ship builders, traders and merchants.