On 21 May 2025, the Indian Navy inducted an Ancient Stitched Ship during a ceremonial event at Naval Base, Karwar, with Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as the chief guest. This unique vessel is a recreation of a 5th-century CE ship, inspired by a painting from the Ajanta Caves, and was developed under a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations.
Constructed by traditional Kerala artisans led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran, the ship was hand-stitched using ancient techniques. It was launched in February 2025 at Hodi Shipyard, Goa. Without surviving blueprints, the design was recreated using artistic extrapolation, archaeological research, naval architecture, and hydrodynamic testing in collaboration with IIT Madras.
The ship features square sails, steering oars, and a stitched hull, offering a striking contrast to modern vessels. The Indian Navy supervised the project, ensuring historical authenticity while maintaining seaworthiness.
With its induction, the project enters Phase 2, aiming to sail along ancient maritime trade routes, starting with a voyage from Gujarat to Oman, symbolizing a revival of India’s seafaring heritage.
