The Indian Navy will induct a traditionally built ancient stitched ship at the Naval Base in Karnataka tomorrow. Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will preside over the ceremony as the Chief Guest. The stitched ship is a recreation of a 5th-century ship, inspired by a painting from the Ajanta Caves. The construction of the Stitched Ship was carried out using entirely traditional methods and raw materials by artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran, who executed thousands of hand-stitched joints. Unlike any modern vessel, the stitched ship is equipped with square sails and steering oars, which are entirely alien to modern-day ships. The hull geometry, rigging and sails had to be reimagined and tested from first principles. The combination of a stitched hull, square sails, wooden spars, and traditional steering mechanisms makes the vessel unlike any ship currently in Naval service anywhere in the world.

Post induction, the project will enter its second important phase, where the Indian Navy will undertake the ambitious challenge of sailing this vessel along traditional maritime trade routes, reviving the spirit of ancient Indian seafaring. Preparations for the vessel’s maiden transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman are already underway.