The Indian Navy, in a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Karwar, officially inducted an Ancient Stitched Ship, INSV Kaundinya. The induction of the Ancient Stitched Ship pays homage to the nation’s shipbuilding heritage, underlining the confluence of numerous successful projects, and the extraordinary naval engineering and craftsmanship shown. The ceremony was presided over by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Reconstructing History: A 5th-Century CE Ship
INSV Kaundinya is based on a 5th-century CE ship. It is a stitched sail ship, inspired by the paintings found in the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As such, it’s the world’s only stitched ship. The ship was reconstructed using the ancient shipbuilding technique of stitching wooden planks. Reportedly, this method predated metal fasteners and the use of rivets, hence preserving an indigenous maritime technology that allowed inter-oceanic travel.
The project came to fruition through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations. Keel-laying for the vessel commenced in September 2023, and the ship was launched in February 2025 in Goa. The project stands as the perfect blend of modern naval validation and traditional knowledge.
Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Naval Expertise
The ancient ship was built by a dedicated team of traditional shipwrights from Kerala. The team was led by Master Shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran and employed ancestral techniques, honed generation after generation, to create this perfect replica. The artisans employed coir rope, coconut fiber, and natural resins to stitch wooden planks that the hull is made up of. This reflected the ancient practices central to Indian shipbuilding heritage.
The Indian Navy also played an integral role in guiding the design process and construction. They oversaw the entire process and guided it, in the absence of extant blueprints and structural documentations, as the entire design was based on and inspired by the cave paintings. This collaborative effort between civilian shipbuilders and the Navy to recreate a piece of ancient history showed the nation’s commitment to preserving historical authenticity. The team worked especially hard to recreate the hull shape, sail plan, and the traditional rigging.
To ensure structural stability, the Department of Ocean Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) conducted several hydrodynamic tests. These tests were carried out to further validate the ship’s seaworthiness and design efficiency. Moreover, the internal naval assessments carried out by the Navy reinforced the fidelity of the reconstruction, hence making the ship a viable maritime platform for operational deployment.
INSV Kaundinya: A Cultural Artifact of Strategic Significance
INSV Kaundinya is not only a vessel but a floating representation of India’s rich maritime heritage. It features symbolic motifs that are deeply rooted in Indian culture. Its sails bear the Gandabherunda, the mythical two-headed bird associated with strength and protection, the Sun, which is emblematic of energy and guidance. The bow is adorned by a sculpted Simha Yali, the mythical lion-like creature, and a Harappan-style stone anchor which represents the continuity of the Indus Valley legacy.
The name of the ship also honors Kaundinya, a legendary figure in Indian maritime culture who was credited with sailing across the Indian Ocean to establish ties with Southeast Asia. INSV Kaundinya stands as the embodiment of this historic achievement, highlighting India’s legacy in opening trade routes and cultural diplomacy.
Operational Role and Future Voyages
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya will be homeported at Karwar and is set to embark on a transoceanic voyage, tracing the ancient maritime route from Gujarat to Oman, later in 2025. This voyage will not only serve as a demonstration of traditional shipbuilding but also as a diplomatic initiative aligned with india’s broader regional maritime vision and the SAGAR initiative. It will also further strengthen the Navy’s commitment to cultural preservation and international cooperation.
