Indian Navy To Induct 5th-Century Inspired Stitched Ship At Karwar Naval Base

Indian Navy is set to induct a traditionally built, 5th-century-style stitched ship at a ceremonial event on 21 May at the Naval Base in Karwar, a Ministry of Defence statement read.

The vessel, inspired by an ancient painting from the Ajanta Caves, has been handcrafted using age-old techniques by artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will preside over the ceremony as the chief guest.

The project, funded by the Ministry of Culture, was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Indian Navy, the ministry, and Hodi Innovations.

The ship’s keel was laid in September 2023, and the vessel was launched in February 2025 at Hodi Shipyard in Goa.

Constructed entirely using traditional methods and natural materials, the ship features thousands of hand-stitched joints, square sails, and wooden steering oars—distinct from modern naval vessels.

The Indian Navy collaborated with traditional artisans, naval architects, and the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras to validate the ship’s hydrodynamic performance. In-house structural analysis was also conducted to ensure the seaworthiness of the wooden mast system.

Following its induction, the vessel will embark on its next phase—sailing along ancient maritime trade routes. Preparations are currently underway for its maiden transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman.

The Defence Ministry stated that the project highlights India’s rich shipbuilding legacy and the Navy’s commitment to reviving and operationalising the living traditions of the country’s maritime heritage.

“The successful completion of the construction of the ancient stitched ship represents the completion of the first and most formidable phase, bringing to life, from an artistic depiction, a fully functional sea-going vessel,” the ministry said further.