This work is a valuable and authentic contribution to the marine history of ancient India. First time the splendid marine culture of the coastal region of Maharashtra right from the third millennium BC is revealed with its characteristics such as the settlement of the people whose life depended on the sea, their shipbuilding activities, the overses trade and their adventures of long distance sailing. The author presents a comprehensive picture of the ports of ancient and early medieval times. The sociology of the ports adds a new dimensions to the study of ancient Indian ports.