Mahodadhi or Kalinga Sagar, also Sinus Gangeticus ?

Do you know or have been to -       Mahodadhi or Kalinga Sagar, also Sinus Gangeticus ? 

In ancient Indian texts, the bay was known as  Mahodadhi. Later, it was also referred to as Kalinga Sagar (Kalinga Sea), reflecting the power of the Kalinga dynasty of ancient Odisha on its western coast. It also bore the name  Sinus Gangeticus: Ancient Greek and Roman writers referred to the bay as Sinus Gangeticus or "Gulf of the Ganges," reflecting the preeminent status of the Ganges River as a landmark.  

It is very much the ‘Bay of Bengal’ – vast expanse of Marina beach dots the sea, which we see daily.   It simply is not a  body of water, but a vital conduit for trade, migration, and the flow of cultures. It was a vibrant, often volatile, maritime space, known by different names by various peoples who navigated and settled along its shores. The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world, located in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. This triangular-shaped body of water is bordered by multiple countries and is a significant maritime corridor for trade and cultural exchange.  

The Bay of Bengal was named by Europeans, most notably the Portuguese, who first named it "Golfo de Bengala" in the 15th or 16th century, while it was later established as the "Bay of Bengal" during the era of British rule in India. It was named after the historical Bengal region, which lies along its northern coast.  

Reading about old times - two storms that occurred in Bay of Bengal in 1700s are described in detail in  Orme’s History of India.  On 2nd Oct 1746 [that was no Gandhi Jayanthi for obvious reasons !!]  the weather at Madras was remarkably fine and moderate all day.  About midnight a furious storm arose and continued with great violence until the noon of next day causing havoc and killing people.   

Though boats appear poetry in motion in high seas, it is often difficult and could have : Heaves, the linear vertical motion excess of which can swamp a boat;  Sway; Surge; Pitch; Roll and Yaw – all causing discomfort.

 

Here is a photo of - – the Sea, the sky, a helicopter and a Coastguard boat !!

 

Regards – S Sampathkumar
8.10.2025