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A reconstructed 5th-century stitched wooden ship has been launched on the Mandovi River in Goa.
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The project was a joint effort by the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, Hodi Innovations Pvt. Ltd., and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
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The ship, inspired by murals from the Ajanta Caves, was constructed using traditional stitching techniques and meets modern safety standards.
In a landmark celebration of India’s maritime legacy, a reconstructed 5th-century stitched wooden ship was launched into the Mandovi River in Goa. This initiative, led collaboratively by the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations Pvt. Ltd., aims to revive India’s ancient shipbuilding traditions and pay homage to its historic seafaring prowess, according to IRClass.
Blending Heritage with Modern Standards
Inspired by a mural from Maharashtra’s Ajanta Caves, the vessel was built using traditional Indian techniques, where wooden planks are stitched together with coconut coir rope, a craft once perfected by ancient Indian shipwrights.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) played a vital role in the project, ensuring the vessel retains its historic authenticity while aligning with modern safety, stability, and design standards.
Cdr K Dhawan, Head Defence, stated, “Reconstructing this ship is a tribute to India’s maritime heritage and demonstrates the commitment of IRS to the Indian Navy’s efforts to keep alive India’s ancient maritime tradition. Our involvement in this project reinforces our commitment to preserving traditional shipbuilding techniques while ensuring the vessel meets modern safety standards. It is a proud moment for us to be part of an initiative that bridges history with present-day innovation.”
Commemorative Voyages Ahead
Fully designed and built in Goa, the stitched ship is set to embark on commemorative voyages later this year, retracing ancient Indian maritime trade routes to destinations such as Muscat and Indonesia.
This initiative not only honours India’s historical seafaring achievements but also reflects the country’s broader commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage while adopting modern innovations in maritime practices.
The Stitched Ship Project stands as a proud example of inter-ministerial collaboration and synergy between traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering. It sets a strong precedent for future maritime heritage preservation efforts in India.
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Source: IRClass
