The influence of the sea has had a profound effect on the history of Kerala. This has also led to a close association of the Indian Navy with the state of Kerala. Fort Kochi has been declared as a heritage zone and the state government has embarked on plans to preserve and develop this area to promote tourism. As a part of this endeavour, a maritime museum named after the naval base at Fort Kochi, INS Dronacharya was inaugurated by Rear Admiral Kirpal Singh (Retd) as ‘Dronacharya Maritime Museum’.

The museum will enable the visitors to know the evolution, role and importance of the Indian Navy. The museum has been set up in a novel and interesting manner by using the ‘light and sound’ effects. It is housed in two magazines built during the colonial times which were used as ammunition dumps for 6-inch guns used for coastal defence during the World War. This gives the building itself a historical importance. The project is in two phases. The first phase focusses on ‘Maritime History of Kerala’ and the second phase on ‘Navy in Action’.

The artifacts in this mueum throw a light on the early sea trade routes from the west to east, ancient and modern ports of Kerala, spice trade, arrival of Vasco-da-Gama, the gallant actions of Kunjali Marakkar, the arrival of Dutch in Kerala, the Canarese war along the Malabar Coast, evolution of the port of Cochin, trends in ancient and modern shipbuilding and other important aspects of Indian Navy. The artifacts consist of ‘reliefs’ built in cement on the walls, life-size statues and paintings on canvas. The artifacts are presented through a ‘sound and light’ show inside the structure. The artifacts are illuminated and the commentary is given in a narrative form with music. The commentary is available both in English and Malayalam.

Also present on the occasion were Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Madhavendra Singh who was then Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Harinder Singh, Vice Admiral JC DeSilva, Vice Admiral Raman Puri and Mrs Phyllis Pereira, wife of late Admiral RL Pereira.