Delhi, 20 May (H.S.): The Indian Navy will unveil the Ancient Stitched Ship during a ceremony at Naval Base, Karwar, presided over by Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat tomorrow. This ship, a recreation of a 5th-century CE vessel inspired by an Ajanta Caves painting, originated from a tripartite agreement in July 2023 involving the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. The keel-laying occurred on 12 September 2023.
Constructed using traditional methods and materials, the ship was built by artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran, who executed countless hand-stitched joints. It was launched in February 2025 at M/s Hodi Shipyard in Goa. The Indian Navy managed the entire project, from concept development to construction, in collaboration with M/s Hodi Innovations and traditional artisans. The absence of surviving blueprints required designers to extrapolate from artistic representations, combining archaeological interpretation, naval architecture, and craftsmanship.
This unique ship features square sails and steering oars, which differ from modern vessels. Its design involved testing the hull geometry, rigging, and sails based on fundamental principles, working with IIT Madras for hydrodynamic model testing. Structural analysis of the wooden mast system was conducted in-house, ensuring historical authenticity and seaworthiness.
Successfully completing the ship symbolizes the intricate balance between ancient maritime traditions and contemporary naval capabilities. Following induction, the Navy plans to sail the vessel along historical trade routes, with preparations for its maiden voyage from Gujarat to Oman already in motion. This project underscores India’s rich shipbuilding heritage and the Navy’s dedication to preserving maritime traditions.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
