Flag of Indian Navy.

The start of Indian Navy is quit old with ancient kingdoms like Chola empire spanning its naval power in South east Asian Region. Before the British established the modern Naval power the Marathas had established their Naval Power in the Konkan region of Western India. Their Naval Power was made possible because the great Maratha King Shivaji recognized the importance of a potent navy. He had powerful forts Of Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg (Victory fort) under his command. Under able leadership of Admiral Kanoji Angre the Maratha Navy fought many battles with British, Portuguese and a local Muslim commander Siddhi. Maratha Naval Power finally came to an end when Maratha Prime Minister (Peshwa Balaji Bajirao) along with the British Defeated the entire Martha Fleet in 1758 AD. After that The British were the unchallenged rulers of  Seas around India. The British established their naval Headquarters at Mumbai and Kolkata (Calcutta). Indian Navy was first called Royal Indian Marines then It was called Royal Indian Navy untill 1947. After Independence Royal Indian Navy was divided between  Indian and Pakistani Navies. Since Independence Indian Navy has grown to become a full fledged part of Indian Armed Forces. Indian Navy is now 5th Largest Navy in the world and the Largest in Indian Subcontinent.