Rekindling Ancient Maritime Glory: Indian Navy Inducts INSV Kaundinya

The Indian Navy inducted INSV Kaundinya, a stitched ship inspired by 5th-century Ajanta Cave paintings, at Karwar naval base. Built using ancient techniques by artisans from Kerala, the ship revives nearly extinct craftsmanship. Featuring cultural motifs like the Gandabherunda and Simha Yali, it symbolizes India’s maritime legacy. A collaboration between the Navy, Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations, this vessel will soon embark on a historic voyage along ancient trade routes. It reflects India’s seafaring past while inspiring future exploration.

In a remarkable nod to India’s maritime heritage, the Indian Navy officially inducted the traditionally crafted stitched ship named INSV Kaundinya at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. The induction ceremony, held on Wednesday, marked a significant milestone in celebrating the nation’s ancient shipbuilding expertise and maritime legacy.

A Vessel from the Past, Built for the Present

INSV Kaundinya is a faithful recreation of a fifth-century CE vessel, inspired by iconic paintings from the Ajanta Caves. It has been named after Kaundinya, a legendary mariner who undertook voyages across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, embodying India's rich history of seafaring, exploration, and trade. Built using authentic techniques and materials, the ship stands as a testament to India’s ancient shipbuilding prowess.

Speaking at the ceremony, Union Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, reflected on the ship’s historical significance, stating, “This vessel revives our ancient maritime skills and showcases the ingenuity of Indian craftsmanship. It is a proud moment for the nation.”

Unique Cultural Features

The INSV Kaundinya incorporates intricate cultural elements that hark back to India’s maritime traditions. Its sails feature motifs of the Gandabherunda (a mythical two-headed bird) and the Sun, while the bow is adorned with a carved Simha Yali (a lion-like creature). A symbolic Harappan-style stone anchor graces its deck, further connecting the vessel to India’s rich history of trade and cultural exchange.

Unlike modern ships, this vessel employs square sails and steering oars, an ancient design that demanded innovative thinking and reconstruction from first principles. The Indian Navy played a pivotal role in ensuring the ship’s design and construction met traditional standards while adhering to modern technical validations.

Reviving a Lost Art

The ship was constructed using a stitching technique that dates back centuries. The method involved stitching wooden planks together using coir rope, coconut fiber, and natural resin—a craft that is almost extinct today. The project was made possible through a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, with the actual construction led by master shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran and a team of skilled artisans from Kerala.

Work on INSV Kaundinya began with the keel laying in September 2023, and over months of painstaking effort, the ship was completed and launched in February 2025 at Goa. The project not only revived an ancient technique but also preserved it for future generations, as it was undertaken by one of the last families practicing this craft.

Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, "It is a historic and important day. India's ancient maritime capabilities and ship-building skills have been revived. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisor, Sanjeev Sanyal, was the first to research this. Reconstructed from a 5th-century Ajanta painting, the ship was built using the ancient stitching technique. No screws have been used in its construction and has been built by the only remaining family who know this art. This is not just an ancient technique of ship-building, but a resurgence of Indian history. I feel blessed to be here. Such a legacy ship can be used for tourism in the future."

Collaboration and Innovation

The Indian Navy’s involvement extended beyond supervision, as it collaborated with researchers and artisans to recreate the ship’s hull geometry and rigging. With no surviving blueprints, the design was inferred from ancient art and validated through hydrodynamic testing at IIT Madras. This meticulous process ensured the ship was both authentic and seaworthy.

Embarking on a Historic Voyage

INSV Kaundinya will be based at Karwar as it prepares for an ambitious trans-oceanic journey along an ancient trade route later this year. The voyage will take the vessel from Gujarat to Oman, retracing the maritime paths once sailed by ancient Indian traders and explorers.

As Union Minister Shekhawat aptly noted, “This is not just a ship; it is a resurgence of Indian history.” Beyond its historical and cultural significance, the vessel offers potential for tourism, showcasing India’s maritime heritage to the world.

A Living Symbol of India’s Maritime Legacy

INSV Kaundinya stands as a tangible representation of India’s maritime heritage, celebrating the ingenuity and adventurous spirit of its ancestors. Its induction into the Indian Navy is not only a tribute to the past but also a bridge to the future, inspiring renewed exploration and cultural exchange on the high seas.

This one-of-a-kind vessel serves as a reminder of India’s ancient seafaring capabilities, offering a glimpse into a bygone era while charting a path for new adventures ahead.