INSV Kaundinya’s Maiden Overseas Voyage

Why in News ?

The Indian Navy’s stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya is set to undertake her maiden overseas voyage, marking a significant milestone in showcasing India’s ancient maritime traditions and seafaring heritage through a living naval experiment.

Background & Context

India has a long and rich history of maritime trade and cultural exchange, particularly with Southeast Asia, dating back over two millennia. Ancient Indian ships played a crucial role in the spread of commerce, religion, art, and political ideas across the Indian Ocean region.

Recent years have seen renewed efforts to highlight this heritage as part of India’s maritime diplomacy and cultural soft power, aligning with initiatives such as Project Mausam and the broader Indo-Pacific vision.
INSV Kaundinya represents a fusion of archaeology, traditional craftsmanship, and naval expertise, transforming historical knowledge into a functional seafaring vessel.

INSV Kaundinya: Key Features

A stitched sailing vessel, inspired by a 5th-century ship depiction in Ajanta cave paintings

• Constructed without the use of metal nails
• Built using traditional shipbuilding techniques, including:
  • Coconut fibre and coir rope stitching
  • Wooden joinery
  • Natural resins
  • Cotton sails
• Crafted by traditional artisans from Kerala, preserving indigenous maritime skills

Institutional Collaboration

• Joint initiative of:
  • Indian Navy
  • Ministry of Culture
  • Hodi Innovations
• Reflects collaboration between:
  • Defence institutions
  • Cultural heritage bodies
  • Traditional craft communities

Symbolic and Cultural Motifs on the Vessel

• Gandabherunda (mythical two-headed eagle):
  • Symbol of the Kadamba dynasty
  • Represents strength and sovereignty
• Sun motif:
  • Symbol of continuity and life
• Simha Yali on the bow:
  • Mythical lion-like guardian figure in Indian art
  • Harappan-style stone anchor on the deck:
  • Links the vessel to Indus Valley maritime traditions

Significance of INSV Kaundinya

• Demonstrates India’s ancient shipbuilding knowledge
• Revives stitched-ship technology, once prevalent across the Indian Ocean
• Highlights India’s historical role in:
  • Maritime trade
  • Cultural diffusion
  • Navigation and seafaring
• Enhances maritime diplomacy by projecting civilisational continuity
• Serves as a floating symbol of India’s soft power in the Indo-Pacific region

Who Was Kaundinya ?

• A legendary Indian mariner, believed to have sailed to Southeast Asia around 2,000 years ago
• Married Queen Soma
• Founded the Funan kingdom, one of the earliest Indianised states in Southeast Asia
• Symbolises:
  • Early Indian maritime enterprise
  • Cultural and political exchanges across seas

Strategic and Cultural Relevance

• Reinforces India’s image as a historic maritime civilisation
• Complements India’s contemporary emphasis on:
  • Blue Economy
  • Indo-Pacific cooperation
  • Cultural diplomacy
• Encourages preservation of intangible heritage, especially traditional crafts