Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Feb 27: A meticulously reconstructed 5th-century wooden ‘stitched ship’, crafted using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, was launched at Divar Island, Goa, on Wednesday. This historic vessel, inspired by Ajanta cave paintings, has been placed in the water for the first time and is set to embark on a voyage to Oman by the end of 2025, retracing the ancient maritime trade routes of India.

The ship has been built entirely using traditional methods, including coconut fiber stitching, wooden joinery, coir rope, and natural resins, while its navigation will be powered by cotton sails.

The project is part of an initiative to revive India’s rich maritime heritage and has been undertaken through a tripartite agreement between the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and Goa-based Hodi Innovations (OPC) Pvt Ltd.

Speaking at the launch event, Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, emphasized the historic importance of the initiative.

“This is not just the launch of a vessel but the rekindling of India’s grand maritime tradition. It is a tribute to our ancestors who once ruled these waters and a reaffirmation of our nation’s commitment to preserving its seafaring legacy,” he stated.

He further informed that after delivery, the ship will be docked at Karwar port, where the Indian Navy will undertake its next phase of preparations for the ambitious trans-oceanic voyage.
The ship’s 15-member Indian Navy crew will undergo training at Karwar, under the guidance of Captain Dilip Donde (retd), India’s first solo circumnavigator. The voyage will commence after rigorous testing and training.

Project leader Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, explained that the ship is not yet complete, but it has been put in the water to test for leaks and structural integrity.

“We have built an ancient hull, but we don’t know exactly how it works. We will install the masts, conduct sailing trials, and then set sail for Oman towards the end of the year,” he added.

The ship has been designed and built by Hodi Innovations Pvt Ltd with the expertise of Babu Sankaran, a renowned specialist in stitched ship construction. The wooden planks were shaped using the traditional steaming method and stitched together using cords, ropes, and a sealant mixture of coconut fiber, resin, and fish oil.

The vessel features:

• Three masts – main mast, mizzen mast, and bowsprit mast.

• Steering through traditional oars instead of a modern rudder.

• Hull sealed with fish oil and khundrus for durability.

• Wood selection: The keel is crafted from Matti (Goa’s state tree), the stem, stern, and beams from teak, and jackfruit wood frames for natural curvature.

Prathamesh Dandekar, Managing Director of Hodi Innovations, highlighted the unique challenges faced in reconstructing a 2,000-year-old ship.

“How do you design a ship that existed two millennia ago? What raw materials were used? If I told you that a vessel made from coconut fiber, fish oil, tree resin, and cotton could sail the seas, you might not believe it. Yet, this project stands as a living testament to India’s ancient shipbuilding expertise,” he stated.

With this initiative, India takes a major step towards reviving its seafaring heritage, reaffirming its historical maritime prowess and celebrating its rich naval traditions.