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Rediscovering India’s Maritime Legacy: The Stitched Ship Project with Sanjeev Sanyal at DMET Samvaad

Writer's picture: DMET-संवाद TeamDMET-संवाद Team

Session Topic: "The Stitched Ship Project: Revisiting Our Ancient Maritime Past"

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 23rd October 2023 at 1130 HRS, as we welcome Sanjeev Sanyal to DMET Samvaad.


This highly anticipated session will offer a captivating exploration of India’s maritime history, with a special focus on the "Stitched Ship Project." Don't miss this unique opportunity to dive deep into the ancient craftsmanship that once defined India’s seafaring dominance.


Join Zoom Meeting Link: Click here

Meeting ID: 841 9315 1150

Passcode: DMET

Time: 1130 HRS (11:30 AM IST)




India’s maritime history is an extraordinary tale of exploration, innovation, and cultural exchange that has left an indelible mark on the world. As part of DMET Samvaad, we are thrilled to host renowned historian and economist Sanjeev Sanyal, who will dive deep into this rich legacy through his discussion on "The Stitched Ship Project." This session promises to be an enlightening journey into the forgotten shipbuilding techniques that once propelled India to the forefront of global maritime trade.




Introduction

DMET Samvaad is a prestigious platform where intellectuals, policymakers, and industry leaders come together to share their insights and knowledge. In this session, Sanjeev Sanyal will lead us through a fascinating exploration of India’s ancient maritime history, focusing on the "Stitched Ship Project"—a revival of the unique shipbuilding technique that once allowed Indian sailors to conquer the high seas.


This project is a celebration of India’s maritime prowess and a bridge between the past and the future of Indian shipbuilding.



Who is Sanjeev Sanyal?

Sanjeev Sanyal is one of India's leading economists, historians, and urban theorists. A Rhodes Scholar and a Principal Economic Advisor to the Government of India, Sanyal has played a crucial role in shaping India's economic policies and urban growth strategies. His work goes beyond economics, as he is also a prolific author, having written extensively on India's history and geography, with a particular focus on maritime heritage.


His involvement in projects like the Sagarmala initiative, which aims to modernize India’s ports and logistics systems, highlights his deep commitment to revitalizing India's maritime infrastructure.


Through his historical research, particularly in his book The Ocean of Churn, Sanyal has unearthed India’s significant maritime contributions and advocated for the revival of ancient shipbuilding techniques, such as those used in the "Stitchedship Project."


The Stitched Ship Project: A Revival of Ancient Craftsmanship


The "Stitched Ship Project" seeks to reconstruct the forgotten art of building ships by stitching the hull together with coir ropes rather than using nails. This method, perfected by Indian shipbuilders centuries ago, produced vessels that were flexible and durable, capable of withstanding long ocean voyages.

Historically, these ships facilitated India’s extensive trade networks, connecting the subcontinent with faraway lands like Greece, Rome, Japan, and Korea.


The revival of this technique not only represents a nod to India’s glorious maritime past but also offers modern lessons in sustainability and craftsmanship.


At the heart of this project is the shipyard at Hodi Innovations in Goa, where master shipwright Babu Shankaran and shipbuilder Prathamesh Dandekar are leading a team of historians, engineers, and maritime experts in this ambitious endeavor. Under the guidance of Ratnakar Dandekar, the legendary boat builder behind iconic vessels like the Mhadhei and Tarini, the project is inching closer to recreating a stitched ship that will once again sail across the Indian Ocean.


Why the Stitched Ship Project is Crucial

The "Stitched Ship Project" goes beyond historical recreation; it’s an essential effort for India’s cultural, economic, and technological future. Here’s why this project is of such immense importance:

  1. Preserving India’s Maritime Heritage:India’s seafaring history has often been overlooked in favor of other narratives. The Stitched Ship Project brings this legacy to the forefront, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the maritime traditions that once made India a global powerhouse.

  2. Blending Tradition with Innovation:The stitched ship’s design is an embodiment of sustainable craftsmanship. This eco-friendly method of shipbuilding, which uses natural materials like coir ropes, offers valuable insights for modern industries that seek to balance innovation with environmental responsibility. It challenges modern shipbuilding practices to revisit ancient methods that could offer greener alternatives.

  3. Economic Implications for the Maritime Industry:As India continues to modernize its maritime infrastructure, projects like Sagarmala are paving the way for the country to become a major player in global trade once again. The Stitched Ship Project serves as a powerful reminder of India’s historic role in maritime trade and underscores the importance of further investment in shipbuilding and port modernisation to remain competitive on the global stage.

  4. Inspiring National Pride:Reviving the stitched ship technique is a matter of national pride, reconnecting us with our ancient traditions. This project not only pays homage to India’s maritime heritage but also acts as an inspiration for younger generations to explore careers in engineering, maritime trade, and history.

 

Sanjeev Sanyal’s Contributions to India’s Maritime Development

Sanjeev Sanyal has been instrumental in integrating India’s maritime heritage with contemporary economic policies. During his tenure as Principal Economic Advisor, his focus on infrastructure and logistics development aligned with initiatives like the Sagarmala Project, which seeks to modernize India’s ports and strengthen the maritime industry.

Beyond his policy contributions, Sanyal’s work as a historian has highlighted India's historical role as a maritime power. His writings emphasize how India’s ancient sailors mastered the monsoon winds, which allowed them to establish far-reaching trade routes. By bringing attention to these historical achievements, Sanyal provides a valuable context for India's current efforts to revive its maritime capabilities.

What to Expect from Sanjeev Sanyal’s Session

During the DMET Samvaad session, Sanjeev Sanyal will take attendees on an immersive journey through India’s maritime history, connecting the dots between ancient shipbuilding techniques and modern economic strategies. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • In-Depth Exploration of Maritime History:Sanyal will offer insights into India’s maritime legacy, focusing on the stitched ship technique and its historical significance in global trade.

  • Connecting Past and Present:Learn how ancient shipbuilding techniques can inspire modern sustainable practices in industries beyond maritime, offering lessons for future economic growth.

  • Engaging Storytelling:With his dynamic storytelling style, Sanyal will transport the audience back in time, bringing to life the stories of ancient Indian sailors and shipbuilders who shaped global trade routes.

  • Interactive Q&A Session:The session will feature a live Q&A, providing attendees with the chance to engage with Sanyal directly and dive deeper into the topics of maritime history, economics, and sustainability.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Session

The Stitched Ship Project is not just a historical endeavor; it’s a powerful reminder of India’s potential to innovate by looking to its past. As Sanjeev Sanyal navigates through India’s ancient maritime traditions, he will show us how these practices can inform and inspire modern industries. This session offers a rare opportunity to explore India’s rich maritime legacy and understand how this knowledge can shape the future of shipbuilding, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Whether you're passionate about history, fascinated by economics, or curious about sustainability, this session is a must-attend. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to join Sanjeev Sanyal at DMET Samvaad for an enriching journey through India’s maritime past and future.



An Interesting Podcast of Sanjeev Sanyal



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