India is set to revive its ancient maritime heritage with the launch of a ship uniquely constructed using coir ropes and natural resins. This historic vessel, built with techniques that date back to the 5th century, is scheduled to embark on a groundbreaking journey to Oman by the end of 2025, following ancient trade routes that once connected India to the Arabian Peninsula. The ship recently underwent rigorous testing for leaks and structural integrity, raising intriguing questions about the use of stitched ships in an era when iron was readily available.
The initiative aims to rekindle India’s rich maritime legacy, drawing inspiration from a 5th-century CE Ajanta painting showcasing a stitched ship. Evidence of maritime activity predates this, with Indus Valley seals featuring ships and terracotta artifacts depicting seagoing vessels discovered in regions such as Bangarh and Chandraketugarh in West Bengal.
The stitched ship project is being undertaken through a collaboration involving the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and a Goa-based shipbuilding company. Spearheaded by a prominent economist, the initiative focuses on bringing India’s seafaring history back to life.
This traditional shipbuilding method, originally developed in India, was later embraced by Yemeni and Omani Arab sailors. Indian craftsmanship played a crucial role in maritime trade, with stitched vessels dominating the Indian Ocean until European shipbuilding techniques emerged in the late 15th century.
WHY THE USE OF STITCHED SHIPS IN ANCIENT INDIA?
The earliest ships utilized stitching rather than nails, employing coconut coir ropes threaded through precisely cut wooden planks and waterproofed with fish oil mixtures. Despite the availability of iron, ancient Indian mariners opted for the stitched method, which offered several advantages.
Stitched masted vessels were robust enough to withstand monsoon winds, facilitating trade links between India and Southeast Asia’s spice islands, as well as connections to regions in Oman and Africa. The use of stitched ships enhanced adaptability to rough seas and minimized structural failure risks during voyages.
Economists have examined the benefits of stitched ships, highlighting their resilience in challenging maritime conditions. As seasonal trade in the Indian Ocean often required ships to navigate troubled waters or beach themselves rather than moor at docks, this method proved highly effective. In regions lacking sheltered harbors, stitched vessels successfully maneuvered through narrow channels where conventional rigid-hulled boats might incur damage.
The traditional technique of stitching persists along India’s Konkan coast, primarily used for crafting small fishing boats. This revival effort includes collaboration with traditional boat builders who contribute their expertise in wood selection and natural adhesives, ensuring the craft’s survival for future generations.
CELEBRATING ANCIENT INDIA’S MARITIME LEGACY
The newly constructed ship will be showcased on Goa’s Divar Island. This project involves cooperation with master craftsman from Kerala, who facilitated the creation of the vessel using coconut fiber stitching, traditional wooden joinery, coir rope, and natural resins. Cotton sails will be added later to complete this historical recreation. A dedicated crew from the Indian Navy will sail the ship to Oman, marking a significant revival of India’s maritime heritage.
DIVERSITY IN INDIAN OCEAN MARITIME TECHNOLOGIES
The Indian Ocean has historically served as a hub for various maritime technologies. Alongside the stitched ships from Indo-Arab cultures, Southeast Asian traders introduced designs influenced by outrigger canoes, which trace back to prehistoric seafarers. The 15th century welcomed large Chinese ships under Admiral Zheng He, contributing further to the rich tapestry of maritime trade in the region.
Today, only a handful of coastal communities in India maintain the skills necessary for stitching boats, highlighting the urgency to preserve this nearly lost craft. The initiative serves as part of a broader movement to celebrate and safeguard India’s maritime traditions.
During the vessel’s launch event, a Navy official underscored the historical significance of stitched ships and outlined plans to dock the ship at Karwar port. Furthermore, a renowned circumnavigator will mentor the Navy team as they prepare for oceanic journeys with this vessel, set for trials by May 2025. This stitched-ship project represents a unique homage to one of India’s long-forgotten maritime crafts.
