Fifth Century Ship Revived to Set Sail from India to Oman

A fifth-century wooden stitched ship was recreated using the ancient stitching technique and structured using coconut fibre stitching, traditional wooden joinery, coir rope and natural reasons. The ship is powered by cotton sails and was launched at Goa’s Divar Island this week. The ship has been put in the water for the first time. According to officials, it has been depicted on a painting inside the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra.

The vessel will have a 15-member crew of the Indian Navy and is expected to set sail on a historic voyage to Oman, retracing an ancient trading route between India and the Gulf region. 

Reviving Ancient Maritime Heritage

This project is part of an initiative to revive India’s rich maritime heritage. It is being curated by a tripartite agreement between the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture and a Goa-based ship building company, Hodi innovations (OPC) Private Limited. 

The ancient technique of stage ships features a main mast, mizzen mast and bowsprit mast with navigation achieved using steering oars. The vessel is bound together with coir rope and fibre. The vessel’s kneel is made up of Goa’s state tree: Matti. Jackfruit wood frames have been selected to match the ship’s natural curve. Its joints are sealed with a traditional mixture of fish oil and khundruns.