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:

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.