24 August - The first ship of the East India Company ‘Hector’ reached the coast of Surat in 1608

 

The arrival of the East India Company’s first ship, Hector, at the coast of Surat on 24 August 1608, was a significant milestone in the history of British involvement in India. Commanded by Captain William Hawkins, Hector was the first vessel sent by the Company to establish direct trade relations with India. Surat, a bustling port city on the western coast of India, was a major hub for commerce, attracting traders from various parts of the world.

Captain Hawkins carried a letter from King James I of England to the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, seeking permission to trade and establish a factory in Surat. Upon arrival, Hawkins and his crew faced initial resistance from Portuguese traders who were already established in the region and saw the English as rivals. Despite these challenges, Hawkins was eventually granted an audience with Emperor Jahangir at his court in Agra. However, the negotiations were complex and drawn out, with the Mughal emperor not immediately granting the desired trading privileges.

While the first mission did not yield immediate success in establishing a strong English presence, it laid the groundwork for future ventures. Over the following decades, the East India Company gradually expanded its influence in India, securing trading rights, establishing factories, and eventually playing a central role in the colonization of the Indian subcontinent. The arrival of Hector at Surat marked the beginning of a new chapter in Indian history, one that would lead to profound changes in the region’s political and economic landscape.

20 August - INS Satpura commissioned

 

INS Satpura is a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate of the Indian Navy. The Shivalik-class frigates are part of the Indian Navy's modernization efforts and are designed to perform a variety of roles, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and anti-air warfare.

Here are some key features and details about INS Satpura:

1. Commissioning Date: INS Satpura was commissioned on August 20, 2011.

2. Class: Shivalik-class stealth frigate. The Shivalik-class is named after the Shivalik range of mountains in India.

3. Displacement: Approximately 6,200 tons.

4. Length: About 142.5 meters.

5. Propulsion: Combined gas and gas (COGAG) propulsion system, which includes gas turbines and diesel engines.

6. Weaponry: INS Satpura is equipped with a variety of weapons systems, including surface-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, and a range of anti-aircraft guns and missile systems.

7. Sensors and Electronics: The frigate is fitted with advanced sensor suites, radar systems, and electronic warfare equipment to enhance its surveillance and combat capabilities.

8. Stealth Features: The Shivalik-class frigates are designed with stealth features to minimize their radar cross-section and enhance their survivability in a modern naval environment.

INS Satpura, along with other vessels in its class, plays a crucial role in ensuring maritime security and defense for the Indian Navy.