Context:
Recently, the Indian Navy inducted an Ancient Stitched sail ship as Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya.
More on the News
- The ship is a recreation of a 5th-century CE stitched ship, inspired by a painting in the Ajanta Caves.
- It is named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian mariner believed to be the first Indian known by name to have sailed to Southeast Asia.
The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between:
- Ministry of Culture
- Indian Navy
- M/s Hodi Innovations
• The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture.
• Keel laying took place on 12 September 2023.
• Ship launched in February 2025 at M/s Hodi Shipyard, Goa.
• Hydrodynamic testing and validation conducted with IIT Madras.
• It symbolizes India’s rich maritime heritage and seafaring traditions.
Technical Features and Innovations
- Equipped with square sails, steering oars, and a stitched wooden hull — alien to modern ships.
- Hull geometry, rigging, and sails were designed from first principles.
Collaboration with:
- IIT Madras (Dept. of Ocean Engineering) for model testing.
- Indian Navy’s own structural teams for:
In-house analysis
Wooden mast system design and testing.
Cultural and Symbolic Features
• The ship features culturally significant motifs:
- Sails: Motifs of Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle) and the Sun
- Bow: Sculpted Simha Yali
- Deck: Adorned with a symbolic Harappan-style stone anchor
Future Voyage and Mission
- INSV Kaundinya will be based at Karwar.
- It will undertake a transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman later this year.
- Voyage aims to retrace ancient trade routes and promote India’s maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy.