The Royal Indian Marine transported large numbers of Indian troops overseas during the First World War, and – as the Royal Indian Navy – took part in naval combat and patrol duties during the Second World War. With the establishment of the British Raj after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the small navy was transformed into 'His Majesty's Indian Navy', then 'Her Majesty's Indian Marine', and finally the 'Royal Indian Marine'. The East India Company organised its own navy, which came to be known as the Bombay Marine. The Marakkar Navy under Zamorins during 15th century and the Maratha Navy of the 17th and 18th centuries fought with rival Indian powers and European trading companies. Indian dynasties such as the Cholas used naval power to extend their influence overseas, particularly to Southeast Asia. Maritime powers in the Indian subcontinent have possessed navies for many centuries.
