Revival of ‘Stitched Shipbuilding Method’
July 21, 2023
Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under a remarkable initiative to revive and preserve a 2000-year-old ‘Stitched Shipbuilding Method’. The MoU signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Rear Admiral Shri K.S. Srinivas and other dignitaries from the Indian Navy and Ministry of Culture.
The Indian Navy shall govern the execution and implementation process of the project while ensuring adequate management of the project with safety and precision. Their experience and knowledge shall play a pivotal role in reviving the ancient, Stitched Shipbuilding technique.
Given its historical significance and the continuation of traditional workmanship, the Stitched ship method has a high cultural value in India. India has a long seafaring history, and using stitched ships was essential for trade, cultural exchange, and exploration. These ships' flexibility and endurance made them less vulnerable to damage from shoals and sandbars since they were built by sewing hardwood planks together rather than using nails.
The project's goal is to utilize the knowledge of India's remaining traditional shipwrights and highlight their remarkable craftsmanship. The initiative aims to obtain insights into the historical exchange across the Indian Ocean that permitted the movement of Indian culture, knowledge systems, traditions, technologies, and ideas by sailing.
Click here to read more.