Indian Navy Unveils New Epaulette Design Inspired by Shivaji's Rajmudra for Top 3 Ranks

The Indian Navy on Friday unveiled the new design for epaulettes that top officers will wear, which are inspired by the naval legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A revision in the design was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Navy Day speech at Sindhudurg on December 4. New epaulettes have been released for the top three ranks of admiral, vice admiral and rear admiral.

The navy said the new design is drawn from the naval ensign and inspired from the Rajmudra of Shivaji. It said not only is the design a true reflection of India’s rich maritime heritage, it also reaffirms the commitment of leaving behind a colonial legacy.

“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 true reflection of our rich maritime heritage,” the navy said in a post on X.

“Adoption of the new design reaffirms our commitment to the two pillars of #PanchPran’ – ‘Virasat Par Garv’ & ‘Ghulami ki Mansikta se Mukti ‘. #BharatiyaNausena embracing #Bharatiyata in letter and spirit,” it added.

The epaulette design consists of the golden navy button, the national emblem on a red background, the Indian sword and telescope as crossed arms, and the octagon denoting rank. The current design feature has the Nelson’s Ring, signifying a long colonial past of the armed forces.

What does each symbol in the new design mean?

• Golden navy button: Reiterates the resolve to do away with ‘ghulami ki maansikta’.
• Octagon: Represents the eight cardinal directions, indicative of an all-round long-term vision.
• Indian sword: Emphasises the essence of raison d’etre, viz. be the cutting edge of national power and win wars through dominance, defeating adversaries and overcoming every challenge.
• Telescope: Symbolises a long-term vision, foresight and a weather-eye in an ever-changing world.

Centre’s larger drive to shed colonial military traditions

Along with the announcement for the design change, the prime minister had said the nomenclature of naval ranks will also bear Indian traditions. This comes as part of a series of changes made by the force last year, when it discontinued the use of batons for commanders, adopted new ensign and allowed traditional Indian clothing inside officers’ mess.

In a drive to shed colonial military traditions, the navy is also set to replace Indianised designations of ranks held by sailors that were inherited from the British. More than 65,000 sailors will get new ranks, which are made to align with Indian traditions. But, all the officer ranks will stay as before.