Why Indian Navy’s new design of Shivaji-inspired epaulettes is significant

The Indian Navy has unveiled its new design of the Admirals’ epaulettes, an ornamental shoulder piece depicting the rank of an officer. Inspired by the naval ensign, the new design includes features from the Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during the Navy Day address on 4 December at Sindhudurg in Maharashtra that the new epaulettes of the navy “will reflect the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”. What is the significance of the new design of Admirals’ epaulettes? Why was it needed? Let’s take a closer look. Who is it for? The new design has been revealed for the ranks of Admiral, Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral – the top three positions in the naval forces. Admiral is a four-star ranking officer, followed by Vice Admiral – a three-star rank officer, and Rear Admiral – a two-star-rank officer. What does the new design signify? There are four noteworthy details on the new design. The octagon-shaped Rajmudra or royal stamp in red symbolises the “eight-cardinal directions to represent an all-round long term vision”, according to the Indian Navy. The national emblem with the words ‘Satyamev Jayate’, meaning “Truth alone Triumphs”, is engraved on the octagon. Adding the Rajmudra to these shoulder pieces is significant. This emblematic seal was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for his official correspondence. As per a Times of India (TOI) report, it was given to the Maratha ruler by his father Shahajiraje Bhosale and has featured in many historical documents.

As we usher in the new year #2024, #IndianNavy proudly unveils the new Design of Admirals' Epaulettes. Announced by @PMOIndia during #NavyDay2023 at Sindhudurg - the 🛑 in the new Design, drawn from the Naval Ensign & inspired from Rajmudra of #ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj, is a… pic.twitter.com/Ssxq8ZLOZd

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 29, 2023

The Golden Navy Button represents the force’s resolve to put an end to the ‘ghulami ki maansikta’ or colonial mindset. This golden button has replaced the golden shoulder board on the previous epaulettes, reported NDTV. The Sword below the Rajmudra highlights the Navy’s purpose to be the “cutting edge of national power and winning wars through dominance, defeating adversaries and overcoming every challenge.” According to the Navy, the Telescope signifies the “long-term vision, foresight and a weather eye in an ever-changing world”. The sword and telescope are in a cross formation on the new epaulette. With this, the telescope has taken the place of a baton present in the earlier epaulettes, as per NDTV.  Why was the change needed? The Navy said in a post on X that the new design “reaffirms our commitment to the two pillars of ‘Panch Pran’ - ‘Virasat Par Garv’ & ‘Ghulami ki Mansikta se Mukti’”. The statement further said it is a “reflection of our rich maritime heritage”. Under PM Modi’s rule, India has been actively working to shed colonial customs, especially in the military. The armed forces, especially the Navy, have adopted several measures to indigenise their practices in the last few years. The redesigned epaulettes of the Admirals is one such effort. The new design has done away with the Nelson’s Ring, a colonial legacy. [caption id=“attachment_13558072” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Indian Navy is taking steps to discard colonial practices. Reuters (Representational Image)[/caption] Addressing the Navy Day celebrations earlier this month, PM Modi said, “Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the nation is moving forward, leaving the mentality of dependence behind. I am happy that the epaulettes worn by our Naval officers will now have a sight of the heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” “New epaulettes will now have a symbol of Shivaji Maharaj’s army. It is my fortune that I had the opportunity to connect the Naval flag with the heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” TOI quoted him as saying. Other changes The Navy has reportedly completed a review of ranks held by sailors, which it plans to replace with Indianised designations . Over 65,000 sailors will get new ranks, as per the Hindustan Times (HT) report. The ranks that will be changed are Master Chief Petty Officer Ist Class, Master Chief Petty Officer IInd Class, Chief Petty Officer, Petty Officer, Leading Seaman, Seaman Ist Class and Seaman IInd Class, the report added. Modi had confirmed during his Navy Day address that the nomenclature of the naval ranks will be updated soon to bring them in line with Indian traditions. Other changes brought by the Navy to discard colonial legacy include stopping the practice of carrying ceremonial batons for all its personnel and adopting a new ensign. The new naval ensign, which replaced the old one which had Saint George’s Cross with the Tricolour in the canton, was also inspired by the Maratha ruler Shivaji. With inputs from agencies