The new ensigned was inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's seal
New Delhi: On Friday, 02 September 2022, The Indian Navy switched to a new ensign at the launch of the India's first homemade aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
One of the design elements honours Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha kingdom who had a naval fleet.
Five latest facts on Indian Navy's new ensign are listed below:
The new ensign has the national flag on the upper canton. A blue octagonal shape with the national emblem sits atop an anchor, superimposed on a shield with the navy's motto.
"The octagonal shape with twin golden borders draws inspiration from the seal of the great Indian emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose visionary maritime outlook established a credible naval fleet," the navy said in video showcasing the new ensign.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's fleet comprised "60 fighting ships and approximately 5,000 men. The rising Maratha naval power during Shivaji Maharaj's period was the first to secure the coastline against external aggression," the navy said in the video.
The navy said the blue octagonal shape represents the eight directions symbolising the Indian Navy's multidirectional reach and multidimensional operational capability.
The anchor symbol represents "steadfastness", the navy later said.
India's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier — INS Vikrant — will be commissioned on this day.
INS Vikrant will contribute in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region, Vice Chief of Indian Navy Vice Admiral S N Ghormade had said on August 25.
The aircraft carrier was built in Kochi, at Cochin Shipyard Limited.
PM Modi will unveil the new naval ensign on the same day.
The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.