The Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy sign an MoU to revive the “ancient stitched shipbuilding method (Tankai method)”

Source: The post is based on the article “The Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy sign an MoU to revive the “ancient stitched shipbuilding method (Tankai method)”” published in PIB on 19th July 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revive and preserve the 2000-year-old technique of shipbuilding known as the Tankai method.

What is the Tankai method?

The Tankai method is a 2000-year-old technique of shipbuilding. It is also known as ‘stitched shipbuilding method’.

In this method, the ships are constructed by stitching wooden planks together rather than using nails.

This method offers flexibility and durability to ships making them less susceptible to damage from shoals and sandbars.

The arrival of European ships led to a shift in shipbuilding techniques. But this art of stitching ships has survived in a few coastal regions of India, primarily for small local fishing boats.

How is the Ministry of Culture planning to revive the Tankai method?

The Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revive the Tankai method.

As per the MoU, the plan is to construct an ocean-going wooden stitched sail ship using the ancient Tankai method.

Significance: The significance of this stitched ship project extends beyond its construction.It aims to revive the maritime memory and instill a sense of pride in India’s rich maritime heritage among its citizens. 

– Additionally, it aims to promote cultural memories among the Indian Ocean littoral countries.