Sailing Through Time: India Revives Maritime Legacy with Heritage Ship

National News:The Indian Navy has created history today. A ship has been handed over to the Navy that is built not by technology but tradition,  and which is not modern but historical. It is neither sculpted by the machines of a shipyard nor shaped by a computer model. This ship is a testimony to the glorious Indian maritime era, when India's water frontiers were the symbol of trade, culture and power.

This 'heritage ship' is a lifelike reconstruction of a 5th century ship, which was imagined from the paintings present in the Ajanta Caves. The ship is built entirely with natural materials and traditional Indian techniques.  wood, coconut rope, hand-stitched sails, and runs only with the help of oars and wind without any modern engine, this ship revives the lost maritime soul of India.

A joint effort of three organizations

The Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and Goa-based MSME company Hodi Innovations played a vital role in bringing this grand project to life. The project was started on 12 September 2023 and now after about one and a half years, it is ready to touch the sea.

Kerala artisans created a swadeshi miracle

The responsibility of building the ship was given to the artisans who have been building traditional boats for centuries. Kerala boat-builder Babu Shankaran and his team prepared thousands of joints by hand, and joined each part without the help of any machine. This is not just a ship, but the rebirth of the cultural soul of India.

Scientific monitoring of IIT Madras and Navy

Although it is based on ancient design, its strength and seaworthiness were scientifically examined with modern methods. Marine engineers of IIT Madras tested the design and the Navy ensured its sea safety.

New journey, on old routes

This ship will be used not just as a historical monument but as a working sea vessel. Its first journey will be on the ancient trade waterway between India and Oman, which will reaffirm India's historical trading strength.

Union Minister to unveil name

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will unveil the name of the ship at a special ceremony organised at Karwar Naval Base today and it will be officially inducted into the Navy fleet.