Indian Navy Revives Maritime Legacy with Ancient Stitched Ship Induction

On 21st May 2025, the Indian Navy will officially induct a uniquely constructed Ancient Stitched Ship at Karwar Naval Base. This historically inspired vessel, based on Ajanta cave artwork and built using traditional 5th-century shipbuilding methods, reflects India’s maritime heritage.

Shivam Last updated on May 21st, 2025 10:31 am

India is set to witness a historic moment on 21 May 2025 as the Indian Navy formally inducts an Ancient Stitched Ship, built using 5th-century CE shipbuilding techniques. The ceremonial event at Naval Base Karwar will be presided over by Union Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. This initiative not only celebrates India’s ancient maritime traditions but also marks a successful interdisciplinary fusion of traditional craftsmanship and naval science.

Why in News?

The Indian Navy will induct and unveil the Ancient Stitched Ship on 21st May 2025. This reconstructed vessel, inspired by an Ajanta cave painting, revives a 5th-century shipbuilding technique using traditional stitching methods. It will later sail on a transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman, retracing ancient Indian maritime trade routes.

Aim and Objectives

To revive and operationalize India’s ancient maritime shipbuilding traditions
To honor and celebrate India’s historical maritime trade routes
To showcase Indian craftsmanship and seafaring expertise on a global scale

Project Background

Tripartite Agreement signed in July 2023 between,

Ministry of Culture
Indian Navy
M/s Hodi Innovations
Funding provided by Ministry of Culture

Construction Features

Technique: Traditional hand-stitched wooden planks (no nails/metal)
Artisans: Led by Master Shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran from Kerala
Design Inspiration: Ajanta Caves painting (5th century CE)
Materials: Entirely traditional, using ancient methods

Technical & Scientific Collaborations

IIT Madras: Model testing for hydrodynamic behavior

Indian Navy

Concept design
Structural and technical validation
In-house analysis of mast system
Square sails and steering oars – no modern navigation system used

Phase 2: Maiden Voyage

Proposed route: Gujarat to Oman
Objective: Recreate ancient maritime trade routes
Symbolizes India’s rich seafaring legacy and naval exploration

Significance

Revives India’s ancient naval engineering
Encourages cultural pride and heritage preservation
Showcases India’s soft power and shipbuilding excellence
A symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat in traditional sciences

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Indian Navy Revives Maritime Legacy with Ancient Stitched Ship Induction
Event	Induction of Ancient Stitched Ship
Date & Venue	21 May 2025, Naval Base Karwar
Inspired By	5th Century Ajanta Caves painting
Project Led By	Indian Navy with Ministry of Culture & M/s Hodi Innovations
Construction Site	M/s Hodi Shipyard, Goa
Traditional Craftsmanship By	Kerala artisans led by Shri Babu Sankaran
Technical Partner	IIT Madras
Special Features	Hand-stitched wooden hull, square sails, traditional navigation techniques
Future Voyage Plan	From Gujarat to Oman along ancient trade routes