Archive · 22 May 2025
Navy Commissions Stitched-Plank Sailing Yacht INSV Kaundinya
The Indian Navy launched a new wooden sailing yacht called INSV Kaundinya.
It is inspired by a 5th-century painting from Ajanta caves.
The ship was hand-stitched in Goa.
It will sail along an ancient trade route from Gujarat to Oman and potentially later from Odisha to Indonesia.
This project aims to revive India's historic seafaring traditions.
Multiple groups worked together to build the ship, including Sanjeev Sanyal and shipwright Babu Sankaran.
INSV Kaundinya, a wooden sailing yacht, was commissioned by the Navy.
The ship's design is based on a 5th-century fresco from Ajanta Caves.
It was hand-stitched in Goa and will undertake transoceanic voyages.
The initial voyage is planned from Gujarat to Oman, with a possible later voyage from Odisha to Indonesia.
The project aimed to revive ancient Indian shipbuilding traditions.
- Who
- Indian Navy, Sanjeev Sanyal, Hodi Innovations, Babu Sankaran
- What
- Commissioning of INSV Kaundinya, a stitched-plank sailing vessel
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Karwar naval base
- Why
- To showcase India's maritime history and cultural heritage.
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- Ship Name
- INSV Kaundinya
- Ship Design
- Inspired by 5th-century Ajanta Cave painting
- Construction
- Hand-stitched in Goa
- Planned Voyages
- Gujarat to Oman; Odisha to Indonesia (if first voyage successful)
- Initiator
- Sanjeev Sanyal
- Shipwright
- Babu Sankaran
Sources
Indian Navy to induct traditionally built 'Ancient Stitched Ship' today
Navy set to induct ancient stitched ship at Karwar Naval Base today
Navy inducts ‘stitched sail ship’ as INSV Kaundinya
The story of Kaundinya and the birth of Cambodia’s first kingdom
Indian Navy inducts stitched ship INSV Kaundinya
