Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 January 2025
Andaman & Nicobar Administration will develop its coastal Union Territory Pavilion at the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. The NMHC is envisioned as an international tourist destination to showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage.
The complex will consolidate diverse artefacts and exhibits from ancient to modern times, providing public access to learn about and appreciate the country’s maritime history. It aims to inspire the public by highlighting India’s maritime legacy.
All pavilions, including the one from Andaman & Nicobar, will be designed and themed to reflect the architecture, culture, lifestyle, and maritime heritage of their respective regions. It will showcase the following elements:
-Coastal archaeological sites and historic port towns.
-Artefacts and antiquities such as sculptures, terracotta figurines, coins, paintings, and manuscripts that depict the rich maritime traditions.
-Monuments, temples, forts, and cave sites along with sculptures and inscriptions.
-Coastal communities, their culture, and traditions.
-Traditional boat-building techniques and the legacy of shipbuilding.
-Historical trade, cultural, and religious interactions of the UT/State with foreign nations.
-Continuity of traditional art and craft practices like bead-making, pottery, textiles, and metalwork.
-Replicas of forts, ancient ships, coastline activities, and celebrations of festivals, regional maritime culture, folklore, and cuisine.
To enrich the Pavilion, the general public, voluntary organisations, and individuals have been requested to contribute relevant information and materials related to the Andaman & Nicobar maritime heritage. Those interested are encouraged to inform the Secretary (Art & Culture), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, via email at artand.culture@and.nic.in.
Administration has assured that all contributions will be duly acknowledged. Your cooperation is solicited to help the Andaman & Nicobar Administration showcase the region’s rich and diverse maritime heritage at the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat.