Long period of slavery, indifference made us forget our maritime heritage: PM Modi

PM Modi reviewed, through video conference, the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 18 said the "long period of slavery" and indifference made us forget or overlook India's rich maritime history.

Speaking after reviewing, through video conference, the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district, he said it will act as a centre for learning this history.

The complex at Lothal represents "our resolve to celebrate India's rich maritime history," Mr. Modi tweeted later.

"Centuries ago, India's trade was spread over a large part of the globe. We had a relationship with all the civilisations of the world. India's maritime strength had a big role to play in this," the Prime Minister said at the review meeting.

"The long period of slavery not only broke this capability of India, but with time, we Indians also became indifferent towards this power. We forgot that we have great heritage like Lothal and Dholavira that were famous for maritime trade," he said.

The complex at Lothal was being developed in such a way that even the common man can learn about and understand its history, the prime minister said. "Ultra- modern technology is being used with an attempt to bring to life that age exactly as it was then," he added.

India's maritime heritage was forgotten and nothing was done to preserve it for the next generation, Mr. Modi said.