Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy signed a MoU to revive the Tankai method

The Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy have collaborated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revive and preserve the ancient 2000-year-old shipbuilding technique known as the ‘stitched shipbuilding method‘ or ‘Tankai method’.

What is Tankai Method ?

The Tankai method is an ancient shipbuilding technique which entails stitching wooden planks together to build ships, eschewing the use of nails. By adopting this method, ships gain enhanced flexibility and durability, reducing their vulnerability to damage from shoals and sandbars.

The Cultural Significance of Stitched Ships in India’s Rich Maritime Heritage

The stitched ship carries immense cultural significance in India, owing to its historical importance and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.
India has a rich maritime heritage throughout history, and the utilization of stitched ships played a pivotal role in facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and exploration.
With the advent of European ships, shipbuilding techniques underwent a transformation; however, the art of stitching ships endured in certain coastal regions of India, predominantly for crafting small local fishing boats.

Fostering Cultural Connections and Preserving Heritage through a Distinctive Boat-Building Project

The significance of the stitched ship project goes beyond mere construction.
Its objective is to rekindle the maritime memory and foster a sense of pride in India’s abundant maritime heritage among its people.
The project seeks to promote cultural connections with the Indian Ocean littoral countries. By diligently documenting and cataloging the project, valuable information will be preserved for posterity.
This endeavor not only showcases a distinctive boat-building initiative but also stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural legacy and ancient seafaring traditions.