INSV Kaundinya: Reviving India’s Maritime Heritage

The Indian Navy revived a piece of history. They formally inducted and designated the Ancient Stitched ship as INSV (Indian Naval Sailing Vessel) Kaundinya on May 21, 2025. This occurred at a ceremonial event at Naval Base, Karwar. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture, presided as Chief Guest.

INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship. It is modeled on a 5th century CE ship seen in paintings of Ajanta Caves. Ajanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra state. The site’s ancient Buddhist rock-cut monuments display magnificent artwork spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. The project began with a tripartite agreement. It was signed in July 2023 by the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations. The Ministry of Culture provided additional support.

The legendary name

The ship is named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. Legends say a local clan, led by warrior queen Soma, encircled his crew, and a confrontation ensued. But in a turn of events, Soma proposed marriage to Kaundinya. Together, they founded the kingdom of Funan. It was the first historically attested Indianised kingdom, in what is now Cambodia/South Vietnam.

Features of the ship

The keel laying in September 2023 marked the beginning of construction. A team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran, built the vessel. They used traditional stitching style, utilizing coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin. Remarkably, they did this without any screws. The 21 meter wooden stitched ship has square sails. It also features steering oars, which are “entirely alien to modern-day ships”. The Indian Navy, along with IIT Madras, helped to make the design sea-worthy for long-distance voyages.

Culture in shipbuilding

INSV Kaundinya is a symbolic ship with every detail echoing our rich maritime legacy.

• A Harappan style stone anchor on her deck connects India’s modern maritime achievements with its ancient seafaring heritage.
• Her sails are adorned with motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun. The Gandabherunda is a mythical two-headed bird from ancient Indian mythology. It is a form of Vishnu known for its immense strength and power. The Gandabherunda was once a royal emblem of the Kingdom of Mysore. It is now the official state emblem of Karnataka. The sun, also used for navigation at sea, symbolises both guidance and energy.
• Her bow bears a sculpted Simha Yali. It is a mythical creature in Indian art. It is often depicted with the head and stylised body of a lion. It may have tusks or a trunk of an elephant and the tail of a serpent. It symbolises strength and protection
  

The traditional method

Stitched vessels dominated the Indian Ocean until the arrival of European shipbuilding techniques in the late 15th century. Coconut coir ropes were threaded through holes in precisely cut wooden planks and waterproofed with fish oil mixtures. Their stitched hull was more flexible and adaptable to rough seas and could withstand impact with shoals or sandbars. The seasonal nature of Indian Ocean trade led to ships arriving amid rough seas. They were often beached rather than moored. Stitched ships, being more resilient to such conditions, proved highly practical.

INSV Kaundinya stands as a symbol of cultural revival. It represents self-reliance and the relevance of indigenous knowledge in a modern world. Preparations are currently underway for her first transoceanic voyage. It will follow the ancient trade route from Gujarat to Oman. This journey is scheduled for later this year.

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