INSV KAUNDINYA

NEWS

• INSV Kaundinya, a stitched ship of the Indian Navy, is set to sail from Porbandar to Oman on December 29, 2025.
• The voyage retraces ancient Indian maritime trade routes, highlighting India’s seafaring heritage and cultural diplomacy.

HIGHLIGHTS

What is INSV Kaundinya?

• Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya is a stitched ship, inducted into the Navy in May 2025.
• Built using ancient shipbuilding techniques, without metal nails.
• Inspired by a 5th-century ship depiction in Ajanta Cave paintings.

Unique Design and Construction

• Built by traditional artisans from Kerala using:
  • Coconut fibre and coir ropes
  • Wooden joinery and natural resins
  • Cotton sails
• Features:
  • Three masts (main, mizzen, bowsprit)
  • Steering through oars
  • Flexible hull, square sails
• Symbolic elements:
  • Gandabherunda (Kadamba dynasty symbol) on sails
  • Simha Yali on the bow
  • Harappan-style stone anchor on deck

Historical and Cultural Significance

• Named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian mariner who sailed to Southeast Asia around 2,000 years ago and founded the Funan Kingdom.
• Reflects India’s historic maritime links with:
  • Oman, Bahrain, Mesopotamia
• Ancient references used:
  • Ajanta paintings
  • Yuktikalpataru, a Sanskrit treatise by Bhoja Narapati on shipbuilding
  • Accounts of foreign travellers