Karwar, Karnataka: In a landmark moment for India’s maritime heritage, the Indian Navy will induct the Ancient Stitched Ship—an authentically recreated 5th century CE vessel—during a ceremonial event on 21 May 2025 at Naval Base, Karwar. The Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, will preside as the Chief Guest, formally unveiling the ship and marking its entry into service.
Recreating Maritime History
The Ancient Stitched Ship is a pioneering project that resurrects one of India’s oldest shipbuilding traditions using traditional techniques and materials. Inspired by a 5th century CE painting from the Ajanta Caves, the ship is a tangible representation of India’s seafaring legacy, meticulously recreated after centuries of obscurity.
The project began with a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, with the Ministry providing financial support. The keel was laid on 12 September 2023, and the vessel was launched in February 2025 at the Hodi Shipyard in Goa.
Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Naval Engineering
The ship’s construction relied solely on traditional shipbuilding methods and natural materials, with thousands of hand-stitched joints made without nails or rivets. This intricate work was led by master shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran, who guided a team of skilled artisans from Kerala.
Unlike modern vessels, the Ancient Stitched Ship is equipped with square sails, wooden spars, and traditional steering oars, reflecting the authentic maritime technologies of ancient India. The Indian Navy spearheaded the technical validation, design, and structural testing of the vessel in collaboration with M/s Hodi Innovations and the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras. Model testing helped refine the ship’s hydrodynamic performance, while in-house structural analysis ensured the integrity of the wooden mast system.
A Living Testament to India’s Maritime Legacy
Creating a seaworthy vessel from a two-dimensional painting with no surviving blueprints or physical remains required a blend of disciplines—archaeology, naval architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and ocean engineering. Every design choice struck a balance between historical authenticity and modern-day seaworthiness.
This unique ship, with its stitched hull and ancient rigging, now stands as a one-of-a-kind vessel not only in the Indian Navy but across global navies. Its successful construction marks the completion of the first phase of the project, transforming ancient artistry into a fully functional sea-going vessel.
Sailing the Routes of History
Following its induction, the project will move into its second phase—an ambitious voyage to retrace the ancient maritime trade routes once plied by Indian sailors. The Indian Navy is preparing the vessel for its maiden transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman, reviving centuries-old navigation paths that once connected India to the world.
A Cultural and Strategic Milestone
The induction of the Ancient Stitched Ship is more than a ceremonial gesture; it is a cultural reaffirmation and strategic endeavor to rekindle India’s maritime spirit. It underscores the Indian Navy’s evolving role not just as a modern fighting force, but as a custodian of the country’s rich maritime heritage.
This historic initiative stands as a tribute to India’s ancient shipbuilders and sailors, showcasing their ingenuity while strengthening the Navy’s commitment to preserving and operationalising living traditions of the past.
