As kids, like many of us, we were awed by the concept of submarine – something that can travel under the water. And we were under the impression that submarines are a 20th century invention. Yes, the modern submarines were made in later half of 20th century. But efforts to travel under water have been made as early as 325 BC.
(A 16th-century Islamic painting depicting Alexander the Great being lowered in a glass submersible. From Wikipedia)
Museums have the ability pull us back into the past. The displays recreate history and invoke awe and wonder. Two back-to-back museum visits salvaged our almost washed-out day in Vizag.
An old-bungalow-converted Visakha Museum is off-limits to cameras. Located near RK Beach, at this historical museum we were treated with many a proud moment in India’s maritime history. The ships and submarines that led us to victory in wars and various naval tactics, traditions, and terminology were some of the things that were depicted clearly in this remarkable museum. Another section of the museum showcases the history of Vishakapatnam and has life-sized portraits of various kings, heirlooms, arms, memorabilia and artifacts from various citizens, and the like. Life-sized statues of tribal people and even one statue of the museum’s security guard were so well-made that, for a moment, we thought they were real. Two stuffed Bengal tigers evoked sadness reminding us of the plight of tigers in India.
Being civilians, seeing a submarine at a distance itself is beyond our reach. So it was thrilling to walk inside a submarine, though it was docked on the beach. Not far from Visakaha Museum, at the RK Beach, is the Submarine Museum, one of its kind in Asia.
The Russian-made submarine INS Kursura is India’s fourth submarine and is considered the cornerstone in the foundation of Indian Navy’s submarine division. After 31 years of service, which included a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, INS Kursura was decommissioned and converted into the Submarine Museum. The museum was inaugurated in 2002 and gives visitors a glimpse into the functioning of submarines and the tough life of the naval officers onboard. The guides standing at each sections of the submarine explain the functions of the innumerable controls, gauges, valves, and communication equipment as well as the weapons and escape options in case of emergency. Each inch is utilized to contain all these things plus fuel tanks, kitchen, dining room, toilets, and bunk beds.
Hey! that was nice to know about the submarine. I have never visited one. I am in Cochin and often see such miracles but never entered any 🙁