'Maritime Contacts of the Past: Deciphering Connections amongst communities', is a collection of papers from some of the world's leading maritime archaeologists. In all, 31 papers on maritime archaeology and maritime trade from around the world. This publication will be an important contribution to the study of maritime archaeology of the world. The subject is becoming popular in India where many universities and research institutions are becoming involved in the field. This volume is intended to provide the latest information for Indian as well scholars and students of other countries. The Marine Archaeology Centre of the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography in Goa has an impressive publication record with papers published in Journal of Archaeological Science, Antiquity, World Archaeology, International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, Current Science, Bulletin of the Australian Institute for Maritime Archaeology, International Journal of Maritime History, Man and Environment and Mariner's Mirror. In addition, the Centre has published a number of books on maritime archaeological subjects relating to shipwrecks and archaeological sites in Indian waters. This is an impressive record and to be commended. Maritime archaeology is a relatively new discipline, but is growing and expanding as an academic subject. Publications such as this will help to develop the field and ensure that underwater cultural heritage is preserved and protected