What is the origin of 31 gun salute?

Answer 1

Any battle ship entering the Port, harbour or anchorage used to give seven gun salute and in return ground batteries used to reply with 21 gun salutes. But in the British Colonial countries, some deviations were observed. The ships used to fire three extra shots after taking the reply from the ground batteries. These three shots were in Honour of the King/Queen of England, the Royal representative in the native land and for the Captain of the Ship.

At later stages when royal dignitaries or state guests used to arrive, 21 gun salutes by ground batteries were introduced. Some countries went one step ahead in showing respect and offer friendship to the guest by giving 31 gun salutes. The concept of 31 probably grew as if 07 form the battle ship, 21 from the ground batteries and 03 extra (as it was practiced for the King/Queen, Royal representative and the Ship's Captain).

Answer 2

The origin of the 31-gun salute can be traced back to the 17th century maritime tradition. A warship would fire its cannons to demonstrate that it was disarmed and had no hostile intentions. The number 31 was chosen as a sign of respect to monarchs, as at the time it was customary for monarchies to be greeted with a 21-gun salute. By firing an additional 10 rounds, the 31-gun salute became a gesture of even greater honor.