A replica of a 5th-century wooden “stitched ship” was launched in Goa, India. Built using traditional methods, including coconut fiber stitching, wooden joinery, coir rope, and natural resins, the ship is based on a depiction from the Ajanta caves. This marks the vessel’s first time in water. A 15-member Indian Navy crew will sail the ship to Oman by the end of 2025, following ancient trade routes, reports Nautical Voice.
Reviving Legacy
India has launched a project to revive its maritime heritage by building a traditional sailing vessel. This collaborative effort involves the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations. The launch was celebrated as a revival of ancient seafaring traditions and a tribute to India’s maritime ancestors.
Following the launch, the ship will be docked at Karwar port for crew training, overseen by India’s first solo circumnavigator, Captain Dilip Donde (retd). Historian Sanjeev Sanyal, the project’s inspiration, stressed the importance of testing the ship’s structural integrity. The vessel, lacking a rudder and featuring a training oar, square sails, and a fixed hull, is distinct from modern ships. A tentative maiden voyage to Oman is planned for late 2025, contingent on further construction and testing.
The ship was constructed using traditional methods, with artisans led by Babu Sankaran employing techniques like steaming and stitching wooden planks with cords and ropes. The vessel utilizes materials like coir rope, fish oil, and tree resin, showcasing ancient Indian shipbuilding skills. Prathamesh Dandekar, managing director of Hodi Innovations, highlighted the challenges of recreating a two-thousand-year-old ship design and emphasized the project’s goal of revitalizing India’s maritime past.
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Source: Nautical Voice
