Indian Navy to Induct Ajanta-Inspired Ancient Stitched Ship
Karwar, May 20 — The Indian Navy will formally induct the Ancient Stitched Ship, a recreation of a 5th century CE vessel inspired by a painting from the Ajanta Caves, during a ceremonial event on May 21, 2025, at Naval Base Karwar. The ceremony will be presided over by the Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who will serve as the Chief Guest.
The stitched ship project was launched through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Goa-based M/s Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. The vessel’s keel was laid on September 12, 2023, and it was launched in February 2025 at the Hodi Shipyard in Goa.
The ship has been constructed entirely using traditional techniques by artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran. Thousands of joints were hand-stitched using coir and natural materials, with no use of metal fasteners — a practice rooted in ancient Indian shipbuilding traditions.
The Indian Navy has overseen the entire project, from conceptual development to construction, in collaboration with M/s Hodi Innovations and traditional craftsmen. The design was reconstructed from two-dimensional Ajanta iconography due to the absence of surviving blueprints or physical remains. This required a multidisciplinary approach involving archaeological interpretation, naval architecture, structural analysis, and hydrodynamic testing.
To evaluate seaworthiness, model testing was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras. Additionally, the Navy conducted in-house structural analysis of the wooden mast system, which was developed without modern materials. The vessel’s stitched hull, square sails, and steering oars make it distinct from any contemporary naval ship.
With the construction phase complete, the project now enters its second phase. The Indian Navy is preparing for the vessel’s maiden voyage along traditional maritime trade routes, starting with a planned transoceanic journey from Gujarat to Oman.
The induction marks a significant milestone in reviving India's ancient maritime traditions and reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to preserving the country’s shipbuilding legacy.
