Context: Recently, the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy signed a MoU to revive ancient stitched shipbuilding methods.

About Stitched Shipbuilding Method (Tankai method)

• It is a 2000-year-old technique of shipbuilding, where ships are constructed by stitching wooden planks together rather than using nails, offering flexibility and durability, making them less susceptible to damage from shoals and sandbars. 
• Although the arrival of European ships led to a shift in  shipbuilding  techniques, the art of stitching ships  has survived in a few coastal regions of India, primarily for small local fishing boats.                                                                

About the Project

• Indian Navy will oversee the implementation and execution of the entire project.
• Indian Navy’s involvement will ensure seamless project management and adherence to the highest standards of safety and precision. 

Significance of Project:

• Reviving and Rejuvenation of Art: Project will ensure the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.
• Promote Craftsmanship: Project aims to leverage the expertise of the remaining traditional shipwrights in India and showcase their exceptional craftsmanship. 
• Revive Ancient Trade Links with Indian Ocean littoral countries:  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, by sailing along ancient maritime routes using traditional navigational techniques.
• Cultural Pride: Project will instill a sense of pride in India’s rich maritime heritage among its citizens. 

News Source: The Hindu