In a major diplomatic initiative aimed at countering rapidly expanding Chinese “clout and influence” in the strategically located Indian Ocean region, the Indian Government is working on an innovative project named “Mausam”. Clearly and apparently, this transnational initiative seeks to revive the spirit of ancient and medieval era Indian maritime adventurism that resulted in the creation of thriving “cultural empires” across South East Asia.

   Significantly, this visionary project, which is yet to receive final touches, will focus on ancient maritime routes and cultural conquests across a large span of the Indian Ocean region. Rightly and appropriately, this project will help bring into focus the natural wind phenomenon used by Indian sailors engaged in maritime trade which shaped the contours of interaction between countries and communities across the Indian Ocean region. In the ultimate analysis, Project....