India’s maritime heritage is deeply rooted, with shipbuilding traditions evident from the 5th century CE. Ajanta cave murals depict stitched ships made from coir, coconut fiber, and resins. Recently, the INSV Kaundinya’s maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat celebrates this legacy, blending ancient craftsmanship with modern design in maritime exploration.
On December 8, archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year-old pleasure boat off Alexandria’s coast, enhancing our understanding of maritime history. Measuring over 35 meters, the vessel featured luxurious designs and required 20 rowers. Found near Antirhodos, it aligns with descriptions by Strabo, revealing insights into ancient Egyptian engineering and social customs.
Bhubaneswar: BJD President Naveen Patnaik attended the “Voyages: The Ancient Maritime Silk Route” exhibition in New Delhi, curated by Jaya Mani. The event highlights South Asia’s coastal heritage, with a focus on Odisha. Patnaik praised artists Suresh Muthukulam and Gunjan Jain for their contributions, celebrating the region’s rich maritime history.
DRAVIDAM, Bangalore, in collaboration with curator Jaya Mani, presents “Voyages: The Ancient Maritime Silk Route,” featuring artists Gunjan Jain and Suresh Muthukulam. This exhibition explores historical maritime connections between South India and Southeast Asia, highlighting the cultural exchanges influenced by the Pallava dynasty and the Chola Empire from the 3rd to 15th century CE.
