Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd. facts for kids
The Scindia Steam Navigation Company is one of India's oldest shipping companies. It was started in 1919. This company helped India become important in sea travel. Before Scindia, the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company was the first, founded in 1906.
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A Look Back: The Story of Scindia Shipping
In 1914, a ship called the RMS Empress of India was sold. It was bought by the Maharajah of Gwalior, part of the Scindia family. This ship was turned into a hospital ship for Indian soldiers. In 1915, it was renamed Loyalty.
In March 1919, the Loyalty was sold to the new Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd. On April 5, 1919, something very important happened. The Loyalty sailed all the way to the United Kingdom. This journey was a big step for India's shipping history. At that time, British companies controlled most sea routes.
Growing Bigger: Scindia's Expansion
The company grew by buying other shipping businesses. In 1932, it bought the Bengal Burma S.N. Co. Later, it also bought the Indian Co-operative Navigation & Trading Co. and the Ratnagar S.N. Co. In 1952, the Bombay Steam Navigation Company joined Scindia.
Scindia also started building its own ships. In 1940, they bought shipyards in India. These were named Scindia Shipyard Limited. Their first ship, an 8000-ton vessel called Jalusha, was launched in 1948. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, launched the ship soon after India became independent.
The Scindia Company Flag
The flag of the Scindia company is blue. It has a white circle in the middle. Inside the white circle is a red swastika. The swastika is a very old symbol from India. It has been used for good luck and well-being for thousands of years. This symbol is not related to how it was used by Nazi Germany.
A Special Day: National Maritime Day
India celebrates National Maritime Day every year on April 5. This date is special because it is the anniversary of the Loyalty's first journey to the United Kingdom. It reminds everyone of the important steps India took in its shipping history.
Places Connected to Scindia
- Scindia, Visakhapatnam
