The Indian Navy on Wednesday inducted a traditionally built stitched ship, named INSV Kaundinya, at a ceremonial event held at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. This ship is a recreation of a fifth-century Indian vessel, built using ancient techniques and inspired by ship depictions found in the Ajanta murals. It has been named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian mariner believed to have sailed to Southeast Asia in the first century.
Union Minister of Culture Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presided over the induction ceremony. According to Navy officials quoted in a PTI report, the ship stands as a tangible representation of India’s ancient maritime exploration, trade, and cultural exchange traditions. They described the project as an “extraordinary” initiative to celebrate India’s rich shipbuilding heritage.
Unlike modern vessels, INSV Kaundinya features square sails and steering oars, elements that are considered alien to contemporary ship design. The ship’s hull, rigging, and sails were entirely reconstructed and tested from first principles to ensure authenticity.
The vessel also incorporates several culturally significant design elements. Her sails carry motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun, the bow features a sculpted Simha Yali, and a Harappan-style stone anchor is mounted on the deck — all tributes to India’s vibrant maritime past.
According to the Navy, INSV Kaundinya will be based at Karwar and will later this year undertake a trans-oceanic voyage tracing an ancient maritime trade route from Gujarat to Oman.
Kaundinya I was a legendary Indian merchant and mariner of the first century. As per folklore, he sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and married Queen Soma of Funan, a kingdom located in present-day Cambodia. Following the marriage, Kaundinya became the second king of Funan and is widely regarded as a co-founder of the kingdom, symbolising the early Indian cultural influence in Southeast Asia.
Also Read: BEL & Indian Army Sign Contract for Indigenous Counter Drone System – Full Details Inside
