Ancient ‘stitched’ ship launched in Goa, to retrace ancient trading routes by
Reviving Ancient Maritime Heritage: A Historic Ship Launch
A 5th-century wooden ‘stitched ship’ was launched on Wednesday at Divar Island, Goa. This vessel, crafted using ancient stitching techniques, features coconut fiber stitching, traditional wooden joinery, coir rope, and natural resins. It is powered by cotton sails and is modeled after a painting of a stitched ship found in the Ajanta caves of Maharashtra. Officials announced that this is the first time the ship has been transferred from land to water. The ship, manned by a 15-member crew from the Indian Navy, is set to embark on a historic voyage to Oman by the end of 2025, retracing ancient trading routes.
Reviving India’s Maritime Legacy
The project aims to revive India’s rich maritime heritage and is a collaborative effort between the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and Goa-based Hodi Innovations (OPC) Private Ltd. Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, the chief guest at the launch, emphasized the significance of this event. He stated that the launch is not merely about the vessel but also about rekindling a grand maritime tradition. He noted that this initiative pays tribute to ancestors who navigated these waters and reaffirms India’s commitment to preserving its seafaring legacy.
After the launch, the ship will be docked at Karwar port, where the Indian Navy will prepare for the next phase of this ambitious trans-oceanic voyage. Training for the crew will take place in Karwar, guided by Captain Dilip Donde (retd), India’s first solo circumnavigator. Historian Sanjeev Sanyal, who inspired the project, highlighted the importance of testing the ship for leaks and structural integrity. He explained that while the ship is not yet complete, it is essential to understand how it operates. The vessel’s unique design lacks a rudder and features a training oar, square sails, and a fixed hull, making it distinct from modern sailing ships. The first voyage to Oman is tentatively scheduled for late 2025, pending further construction and testing.
The ship’s construction involved traditional methods, with artisans and shipwrights led by Babu Sankaran. He explained that the wooden planks are shaped using a steaming method and stitched together with cords and ropes. The vessel incorporates materials like coir rope, fish oil, and tree resin, showcasing India’s ancient shipbuilding expertise. Prathamesh Dandekar, managing director of Hodi Innovations, noted the challenges of designing a ship that existed two millennia ago. He emphasized that this project is about revitalizing India’s maritime past and creating a vessel that can sail the seas once again.
