Indian Navy to Induct Ancient Stitched Ship on May 21

In a historic and culturally momentous event, the is set to unveil and induct the meticulously recreated Ancient Stitched Ship during a ceremonial event on 21 May 2025 at the Naval Base, Karwar. Presiding over the grand occasion as the Chief Guest will be the Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who will formally mark the ship’s induction into active service—a landmark in India’s maritime heritage revival.

This moment represents not just the launch of a vessel but the resurrection of an ancient seafaring tradition. The stitched ship is a faithful recreation of a 5th century CE wooden vessel, inspired by a painting from the Ajanta Caves, which vividly depicts India’s maritime prowess of antiquity.

A Living Tribute to Ancient India’s Naval Ingenuity

The Ancient Stitched Ship Project was launched through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations. Funded by the Ministry of Culture, this ambitious undertaking sought to bring to life a shipbuilding tradition that had long vanished from contemporary memory. The keel of the ship was laid on 12 September 2023, initiating a journey that blends archaeological interpretation, naval engineering, and artisanal craftsmanship.

The construction, overseen by the Indian Navy, was carried out by traditional shipbuilders from Kerala, under the masterful leadership of Shri Babu Sankaran. Using time-honoured methods and natural materials, these artisans executed thousands of hand-stitched joints, using coir rope, wooden pegs, and planks lashed together—techniques that have withstood the test of centuries. This phase culminated in the launch of the ship at M/s Hodi Shipyard, Goa, in February 2025 ().

Naval Engineering Meets Archaeology

The project’s complexity stemmed from the absence of physical remnants or blueprints. The ship’s design had to be extrapolated from two-dimensional cave paintings, demanding a unique blend of archaeology, naval architecture, and ocean engineering. The Indian Navy, along with Hodi Innovations and traditional craftsmen, spearheaded the conceptual development, design, technical validation, and construction.

Key challenges included:

• Square sails and steering oars, which differ significantly from contemporary propulsion and navigation systems.
• Hydrodynamic modeling and testing, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras, to ensure seaworthiness.
• In-house structural analysis by the Navy to validate the wooden mast system, completely devoid of metal reinforcements or synthetic materials.

Every design element had to balance historical authenticity with modern-day safety and functionality, making the stitched ship one of the most unique vessels ever constructed by any navy in the world.

From Ajanta to Arabia: The Next Phase of Revival

With its induction, the Ancient Stitched Ship Project enters its second and most exciting phase—a transoceanic voyage. The Indian Navy is now preparing to sail this vessel along ancient maritime trade routes, retracing the historic paths once navigated by Indian seafarers and merchants centuries ago.

The planned maiden voyage from Gujarat to Oman aims to:

• Reconnect with ancient Indo-Arab maritime relations.
• Promote India’s intangible maritime heritage on an international platform.
• Showcase the durability and seaworthiness of ancient Indian shipbuilding craftsmanship.

Reaffirming India’s Maritime Legacy

The successful completion and induction of the stitched ship mark a resurgence in India’s maritime consciousness. More than just a ceremonial artifact, the ship is a living, sailing embodiment of India’s ancient shipbuilding mastery—once celebrated across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa.

This initiative also reflects the Indian Navy’s evolving role not just as a maritime security force, but as a guardian and reviver of India’s maritime heritage. The collaboration between modern naval institutions, academia, and traditional artisans serves as a global case study in cultural continuity through innovation.

Conclusion

As the Ancient Stitched Ship sets sail into history and the open seas, it carries with it the legacy of India’s glorious past, the skills of its traditional craftsmen, and the vision of a nation reclaiming its maritime identity. The induction on 21 May 2025 at Karwar will not only celebrate the ship but also ignite a renewed appreciation for India’s place in global maritime history.