Archive · 16 Dec 2025
INSV Kaundinya to retrace ancient maritime trade routes
The Indian Navy has a special ship called INSV Kaundinya.
It's made using old-fashioned stitching instead of metal nails, just like ships from a long time ago.
This ship is going on a big trip to Oman, following the same paths that ancient traders used.
The ship is named after a famous sailor from history.
It has special symbols on it, like the Gandabherunda, which is a symbol of an old kingdom.
The ship shows how people in India used to build ships and trade with other countries.
It's a way to remember and celebrate India's history with the sea.
INSV Kaundinya, a stitched ship of the Indian Navy, departed from Karwar to Porbandar on December 13, 2023, and will begin its voyage to Oman on December 29, 2023.
The ship is inspired by a fifth-century vessel depicted in Ajanta cave paintings and built using traditional stitching techniques with materials like coconut fibre, coir rope, and wooden joinery.
INSV Kaundinya was inducted into the Indian Navy in May 2023 and remained docked at Karwar for trials before the voyage.
The project is a joint initiative of the Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations, with a 16-member crew trained in traditional shipbuilding techniques.
The ship features symbols like the Gandabherunda and the Sun on its sails, and a Simha Yali on its bow, reflecting India's rich maritime heritage.
- Who
- Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya
- What
- A stitched ship retracing ancient maritime trade routes
- When
- Departed on December 13, 2023; voyage to Oman begins on December 29, 2023
- Where
- From Karwar to Porbandar, then to Oman
- Why
- To honor India's seafaring heritage and showcase ancient maritime traditions
- Ship Name
- INSV Kaundinya
- Departure Date
- December 13, 2023
- Destination
- Oman
- Inspiration
- Fifth-century vessel from Ajanta cave paintings
- Construction Materials
- Coconut fibre, coir rope, wooden joinery, natural resins, cotton sails
- Crew Size
- 16 members
- Project Partners
- Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, Hodi Innovations
- Symbol on Sails
- Gandabherunda (Kadamba dynasty symbol) and the Sun