Cultural Heritage Preservation: Indian Navy Signs Pact To Revive 2,000-Year-Old Stitched Shipbuilding Method

The Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy announced on Wednesday that they are collaborating to revive and preserve a shipbuilding technique that dates back 2,000 years.

This ancient technique, known as the 'Tankai' method or the "stitched shipbuilding method", is being revived with the aim of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

"Reviving and rejuvenating this fading art is crucial to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations," the Culture Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday (19 July).

The implementation and execution of the entire project will be overseen by the Indian Navy.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indian Navy and the Ministry of Culture was signed on 18 July.

"As custodians of maritime security and experts in the field, the Indian Navy's involvement ensures seamless project management and adherence to the highest standards of safety and precision. Their invaluable experience and technical knowledge will play a pivotal role in the successful revival of the ancient stitching method and the construction of the stitched ship," the ministry said.

"Throughout history, India has had a strong maritime tradition, and the use of stitched ships played a vital role in trade, cultural exchange, and exploration. These ships, constructed by stitching wooden planks together rather than using nails, offered flexibility and durability, making them less susceptible to damage from shoals and sandbars," it said.

While the arrival of European ships brought about a shift in shipbuilding techniques, the art of stitching ships has managed to survive in a few coastal regions of India. However, it is primarily used for small local fishing boats, according to the ministry.

The proposal to construct an ocean-going wooden stitched sail ship using the ancient Indian art of stitching is a commendable initiative, the ministry said.

The project aims to leverage the expertise of the remaining traditional shipwrights in India and showcase their exceptional craftsmanship.

"By sailing along ancient maritime routes using traditional navigational techniques, the project seeks to gain insights into the historical interactions across the Indian Ocean, which facilitated the flow of Indian culture, knowledge systems, traditions, technologies, and ideas," the ministry said.

The significance of the stitched ship project extends beyond its construction and aims to revive the maritime memory and instill a sense of pride in India's rich maritime heritage among its citizens, it added.

Additionally, it aims to promote cultural memories among the Indian Ocean littoral countries.

"Thorough documentation and cataloging of the project will ensure that valuable information is preserved for future reference," the ministry said.

This project not only represents a unique boat-building endeavor but also serves as a testament to India's diverse cultural heritage and ancient seafaring traditions, it added.