Ancient Heritage Sails Again from Karwar
INSV Kaundinya: Indian Navy’s Voyage to Reclaim Ancient Seafaring Glory: The Indian Navy has unveiled INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally constructed stitched-sail ship, from Karwar Naval Base. Drawing its name from Kaundinya, a historic Indian navigator, the vessel is a reconstruction of India’s ancient maritime strength, modeled on ship murals from the Ajanta caves dating back to the 5th century. This handcrafted project reconnects India with its long-lost maritime culture.
Remembering Kaundinya’s Southeast Asian Legacy
Kaundinya is revered as the first Indian voyager recorded to have sailed to Southeast Asia. His journey, according to Cambodian and Vietnamese chronicles, led to the formation of the Funan Kingdom, marking India’s early influence in Southeast Asian civilisation. The vessel named in his honour commemorates India’s ancient cultural diplomacy through the seas.
Rebirth of Traditional Shipbuilding Skills
INSV Kaundinya was constructed using stitching techniques once widely used along India’s coastlines—employing coir ropes, coconut husk fibre, and natural resins. Expert craftsmen from Kerala brought these skills back to life, preserving eco-friendly construction methods from India’s rich shipbuilding traditions.
Symbolic Design and Maritime Roots
The vessel is decorated with motifs of India’s historical maritime symbols. Its sails feature the Gandabherunda, linked to the Kadamba dynasty, while the Simha Yali adorns the prow. A stone anchor styled after Harappan prototypes reflects its deep link to the Indus Valley’s sea trade. Structurally, it includes classic sailing elements like square sails, twin masts, and a bowsprit for wind navigation.
Cultural Voyage to Revive Maritime Exchange
Lacking modern navigation aids like a rudder, INSV Kaundinya relies on steering oars and traditional seafaring methods. The vessel is set to sail to Oman, retracing ancient Indo-Arab trade routes of the Indian Ocean—an ambitious blend of heritage reenactment and navigation challenge.
A National Effort to Preserve Naval Traditions
This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations, showcasing a unified goal to preserve and promote India’s seafaring legacy. The mission not only revives history but aims to inspire future generations by reconnecting them with India’s oceanic identity.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
INSV Kaundinya: Indian Navy’s Voyage to Reclaim Ancient Seafaring Glory:
| Topic | Details |
| Vessel Name | INSV Kaundinya |
| Launch Location | Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka |
| Historical Inspiration | Ajanta cave ship mural (5th century CE) |
| Honoured Mariner | Kaundinya – linked to Funan Kingdom in Southeast Asia |
| Construction Materials | Coir rope, coconut fibre, natural resin |
| Maritime Motifs | Gandabherunda, Simha Yali, Harappan-style stone anchor |
| Planned Expedition | India to Oman (historic Indian Ocean route) |
| Project Partners | Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, Hodi Innovations |
