Archive · 23 Dec 2025
INSV Kaundinya to embark maiden voyage
The Indian Navy has a special boat called INSV Kaundinya that is made in a very old way, by stitching wooden planks together with coconut rope.
This boat is going on its first big trip from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman on December 29.
The boat is named after a famous sailor from long ago and is inspired by pictures of ancient Indian ships.
It was built by skilled craftsmen with help from the Navy and the Ministry of Culture.
This project is to show how India used to build boats and sail to many places a long time ago.
INSV Kaundinya, a stitched sailing vessel, will embark on its maiden voyage on December 29 from Porbandar, Gujarat to Muscat, Oman.
The vessel is constructed using traditional stitched-plank techniques with coconut coir rope and natural resins.
INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a 5th century CE ship depicted in the Ajanta Caves and named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya.
The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and traditional artisans, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran.
The vessel was formally inducted and named on May 21 at Naval Base, Karwar, with Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in attendance.
- Who
- Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, traditional artisans, master shipwright Babu Sankaran
- What
- Maiden voyage of INSV Kaundinya, a stitched sailing vessel
- When
- December 29
- Where
- From Porbandar, Gujarat to Muscat, Oman
- Why
- To revive India's ancient shipbuilding and seafaring traditions, and retrace historic maritime routes
- Vessel Name
- INSV Kaundinya
- Departure Date
- December 29
- Departure Location
- Porbandar, Gujarat
- Destination
- Muscat, Oman
- Construction Technique
- Stitched-plank using coconut coir rope
- Inspiration
- 5th century CE ship from Ajanta Caves
- Project Partners
- Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, traditional artisans
- Master Shipwright
- Babu Sankaran
