Ancient ‘Stitched’ Ship Launched in Goa to Revive India’s Maritime Heritage
Goa, India – In a historic move to celebrate and revive India’s ancient maritime traditions, Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, launched a unique ‘stitched’ ship in Goa on Thursday. The ceremonial event took place at the Hodi Innovations shipyard, showcasing the nation’s rich shipbuilding heritage and its continued relevance in modern times.
The newly launched vessel, aptly named the Ancient Stitched Ship, stands as a testament to India’s age-old craftsmanship and shipbuilding ingenuity. Constructed using traditional techniques, the ship is built entirely of wood, coir (coconut fibre), and natural resin, avoiding modern metal nails or synthetic materials. Instead, the vessel’s wooden planks are meticulously stitched together with coir, employing a method that has endured for centuries along India’s coastal regions.
Reviving an Age-Old Tradition
The project was initiated by noted historian and economist Sanjeev Sanyal under a tripartite agreement involving the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations. Speaking at the launch, Sanyal emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “The stitched ship not only symbolizes our historical seafaring prowess but also underscores sustainable shipbuilding practices using natural materials. It is an embodiment of our ancestors’ deep understanding of maritime technology and environmental consciousness.”
Stitched ships were once a common sight along the Indian Ocean trade routes, connecting India with Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Historical records and archaeological findings have revealed that Indian sailors used such vessels to trade spices, textiles, and other goods as early as the 3rd century BCE. The coir stitching technique provided flexibility and durability, allowing the ships to withstand the rough seas during long voyages.
A Journey Through Time
The construction of the Ancient Stitched Ship was no simple feat. Artisans and craftsmen with generational expertise in traditional boat building were brought in to ensure the authenticity of the design and construction process. The ship’s framework is built from indigenous wood varieties, treated naturally to resist marine degradation. The use of coir stitching binds the planks, and natural resins seal the joints, offering both strength and water resistance.
Rear Admiral Ramakrishnan, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the ship’s cultural and historical relevance. “This ship is more than a maritime vessel; it is a floating museum of India’s glorious past on the seas. By docking it at Karwar port, we aim to provide the public and naval personnel an opportunity to connect with our maritime legacy,” he said.
Navy Prepares for Oceanic Expeditions
The Ancient Stitched Ship is not just a static exhibit. Under the mentorship of Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to complete a solo global circumnavigation, a team of Indian Navy personnel is preparing for ocean voyages aboard the vessel. The initiative aims to bring history to life by demonstrating the seafaring techniques of ancient mariners.
Captain Donde expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “Sailing this ship will be a journey back in time. It will provide invaluable insights into how our ancestors navigated the seas, guided by the stars and the winds, long before the advent of modern technology.”
The ship’s upcoming voyages are expected to include coastal trials, followed by longer expeditions that could potentially retrace historic maritime routes. The project aligns with India’s broader cultural initiatives to promote heritage tourism and educate future generations about the nation’s deep-rooted maritime traditions.
A Broader Cultural Mission
The launch of the Ancient Stitched Ship is part of a larger mission by the Ministry of Culture to rediscover and preserve traditional knowledge systems. Sanjeev Sanyal elaborated on this vision, stating, “The project is not just about building a ship but about reviving an entire ecosystem of craftsmanship, traditional skills, and maritime knowledge.”
The shipyard at Hodi Innovations, which specializes in traditional boatbuilding techniques, has seen renewed interest since the project’s inception. Local artisans have had the opportunity to pass on their skills to younger generations, ensuring that these techniques are not lost to time.
Public Engagement and Future Plans
The ship will soon be docked at Karwar port, where it will be accessible to the public. Plans are underway to offer guided tours, educational programs, and workshops that highlight traditional shipbuilding techniques and the maritime history of India.
Additionally, the Ministry of Culture is exploring the possibility of partnering with educational institutions to develop curriculum modules that integrate maritime history with hands-on learning experiences aboard the vessel.
The launch of the Ancient Stitched Ship is a significant milestone in India’s journey to reconnect with its maritime heritage. It bridges the past and the present, demonstrating how traditional knowledge can find new relevance in today’s world. As the ship embarks on its new journey, it not only honors the legacy of ancient Indian seafarers but also charts a course toward a future where heritage and innovation sail hand in hand.
With this project setting sail, India is poised to reclaim its historical narrative as a formidable maritime nation, inspiring generations to look to the seas with curiosity, pride, and a sense of adventure.
