Reviving India's Maritime Glory Ancient Stitched Ship Launched in Goa
A collaborative effort between the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Culture, the project aims to showcase ancient craftsmanship. The ship is set to embark on a historic voyage retracing traditional trade routes in 2025.
A remarkable chapter in India’s rich maritime legacy unfolded as the Ancient Stitched Ship was launched at M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa, by Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, Flag Officer, Karnataka Naval Area (FOK), on February 26, 2025. This historic event marked a significant milestone in India’s efforts to revive traditional shipbuilding techniques and showcase its deep-rooted naval heritage to the world.
The launch ceremony, attended by naval dignitaries, shipyard personnel, and traditional artisans, highlighted the culmination of meticulous craftsmanship and extensive research. The vessel, constructed using age-old techniques, embodies India’s seafaring traditions that date back thousands of years. Built entirely using wood, coir, and natural resin, the ship is devoid of modern metallic fasteners, a distinctive feature of ancient Indian shipbuilding.
A Multi-Ministerial Endeavour
The recreation of the Ancient Stitched Ship is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the Indian Navy and funded by the Ministry of Culture. The keel of the vessel was laid on September 12, 2023, by Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, who was then the Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.
Under a tripartite agreement signed on July 18, 2023, between the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and M/s Hodi Innovations, the project aimed to reconstruct an ocean-going vessel using the ancient stitched method. This technique, once prominent in India’s shipbuilding history, involves securing wooden planks with coir ropes and natural adhesives instead of metallic nails or rivets.
Reviving India’s Maritime Legacy
The initiative is more than just a shipbuilding project, it is a cultural and historical revival. The stitched ship is expected to retrace ancient trade routes, demonstrating the capabilities of traditional Indian maritime technology. As part of the project’s final phase, the Indian Navy plans a voyage along one of India’s historic trade routes to Southeast Asia or the Persian Gulf in 2025. This journey will be undertaken using ancient navigation techniques, providing a unique insight into the skill and ingenuity of early Indian mariners.
“This momentous occasion is an opportunity for all Indians to relive and celebrate our Nation's Glorious Maritime Past,” said Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the EAC to the PM, emphasizing the project’s significance in reconnecting with India’s seafaring heritage during the keel-laying ceremony in 2023.
Traditional Craftsmanship in Modern Times
The launch of the stitched ship is not only a testament to India’s historical maritime prowess but also a tribute to the artisans who have preserved these traditional techniques for generations. The presence of skilled craftsmen at the ceremony underscored their invaluable contribution to this initiative.
As the vessel prepares for its maiden voyage, it stands as a symbol of India’s enduring shipbuilding legacy, a tribute to the seafarers of the past, and a beacon of inspiration for future generations. The Ancient Stitched Ship is more than just a vessel, it is a living embodiment of India’s maritime heritage, set to sail into the modern era.
सहयोग करें
हम देशहित के मुद्दों को आप लोगों के सामने मजबूती से रखते हैं। जिसके कारण विरोधी और देश द्रोही ताकत हमें और हमारे संस्थान को आर्थिक हानी पहुँचाने में लगे रहते हैं। देश विरोधी ताकतों से लड़ने के लिए हमारे हाथ को मजबूत करें। ज्यादा से ज्यादा आर्थिक सहयोग करें।
ताज़ा खबरों की अपडेट अपने मोबाइल पर पाने के लिए डाउनलोड करे सुदर्शन न्यूज़ का मोबाइल एप्प