Ancient Indian Ship Reconstructed for Historic Voyage to Oman
In a remarkable endeavor to revive India’s ancient maritime heritage, a 5th-century wooden ‘stitched ship’ has been meticulously reconstructed and launched at Divar Island in Goa. This project, a collaboration between the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and Goa-based shipbuilding company Hodi Innovations, aims to retrace historic trading routes by sailing from India to Oman by the end of 2025.
Reconstruction of the Stitched Ship
The inspiration for this vessel comes from a painting of a three-mast stitched ship found in the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra. Unlike modern ships held together by nails, this ancient design employs a unique method where wooden planks are stitched together using coir ropes made from coconut fibers. The construction also incorporates traditional wooden joinery, natural resins, and is powered by cotton sails. The keel is crafted from ‘Matti,’ Goa’s state tree, while the stem, stern, and beams are made of teak. Jackfruit wood frames have been selected to match the ship’s natural curves, and the joints are sealed with a traditional mixture of fish oil and ‘khundrus’.
Master shipwright Babu Sankaran and his team from Kerala have employed ancient techniques to shape the wooden planks using traditional steaming methods, ensuring they conform to the hull’s design. Each plank is meticulously stitched to another using cords and ropes, sealed with a combination of coconut fiber, resin, and fish oil.
Significance of the Voyage
This ambitious project is more than a reconstruction; it’s a tribute to India’s rich seafaring legacy. Rear Admiral K.M. Ramakrishnan, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, emphasized that the launch signifies the rekindling of a grand maritime tradition. He stated, “This launch is a tribute to our ancestors who once ruled these waters and a reaffirmation of our nation’s commitment to honoring and preserving its seafaring legacy.”
Historian and project leader Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, conceived the idea for this project. He noted that the ship’s design is based on historical depictions and that the construction process has been a journey of discovery. Sanyal explained, “We have created an ancient hull; we don’t know how it works. We have to do more construction, put up the masts… It should be fully ready by May 2025.”
Upcoming Voyage and Training
Once construction is complete, the ship will undergo sea trials to assess its performance and seaworthiness. The vessel is expected to embark on its maiden voyage from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman in December 2025, retracing ancient maritime trade routes.
The Indian Navy will be responsible for training the 15-member crew for this historic journey. Training will take place at Karwar port under the guidance of Captain Dilip Donde (Retd.), India’s first solo circumnavigator. This preparation is crucial, as the ship lacks modern navigational aids and features traditional elements such as steering oars instead of a rudder and square sails on a fixed hull.
Historical Context and Future Plans
India’s maritime history spans over 5,000 years, with evidence of Indian mariners engaging in trade with regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This project seeks to honor that legacy and inspire future generations to appreciate and preserve the nation’s seafaring traditions. Sanyal highlighted that if the initial voyage to Oman proves successful, a subsequent journey from Odisha to Bali, Indonesia, is planned, further celebrating India’s historical maritime connections.
The reconstruction and upcoming voyage of this ancient stitched ship symbolize a bridge between India’s storied past and its present, showcasing the nation’s enduring spirit of exploration and cultural
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