INSV Kaundinya: India Revives 5th-Century Maritime Heritage with Voyage to Muscat

India is set to retrace its ancient maritime legacy as INSV Kaundinya, a hand-stitched wooden replica of a 5th-century Indian merchant ship, prepares for a historic voyage to Muscat across the Arabian Sea later this month.

The ship, which departed from the naval base at Karwar, is currently on an eight-day journey to Porbandar, Gujarat, from where it will begin its international expedition — reviving the ancient trade routes that once connected India with West Asia.

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INSV Kaundinya: India Revives 5th-Century Maritime Heritage with Voyage to Muscat

Reviving Ancient Indian Maritime Traditions

INSV Kaundinya was constructed on Divar Island, Goa, using traditional shipbuilding techniques once prevalent along India’s western coast.

Key Features of Construction:

• Entirely hand-stitched and lashed with coconut husk ropes
• Sealed with fish oil and kundroos, a natural tree resin
• No modern fittings or structural reinforcements used
• 20 metres long, with authentic wooden hull design

The vessel mirrors the appearance and craftsmanship of ancient Indian merchant ships depicted in historical sources and sculptures, particularly the Ajanta cave paintings.

Historic Route and Naval Preparation

The voyage from Porbandar to Muscat will trace ancient maritime trade routes once used by Indian sailors for exporting spices, textiles, ivory, and beads to the Gulf region.

The expedition will be undertaken by a 16-member crew, trained by the Indian Navy in:

• Post-monsoon sea trials
• Traditional rigging and navigation
• Rope-making, carpentry, and manual sailing techniques

The mission aims to test ancient seafaring methods under modern environmental conditions and re-establish cultural links across the Arabian Sea.

Ajanta Caves Inspiration and Cultural Collaboration

The inspiration for INSV Kaundinya came from a 5th-century painting in the Ajanta Caves, which shows a large stitched ocean-going ship with a sail and steering oar.

Project Collaboration:

• Lead Agency: Indian Navy
• Support: Union Ministry of Culture
• Shipbuilder: Hodi Innovations (Goa-based traditional shipyard)
• Contributors: Historians, archaeologists, and local shipwrights

This cross-disciplinary effort highlights India’s initiative to blend heritage, craftsmanship, and naval expertise in reviving maritime traditions.

Symbol of Heritage and Maritime Diplomacy

The Porbandar–Muscat voyage is expected to last around 15 days, depending on sea and weather conditions.

Significance:

• Celebrates India’s historic maritime links with the Gulf region
• Promotes heritage-based diplomacy under the Maritime India Vision 2030
• Demonstrates India’s ancient capabilities in shipbuilding and oceanic trade
• Enhances global awareness of India’s indigenous maritime innovations

By reviving these ancient routes, the voyage of INSV Kaundinya stands as a living symbol of India’s oceanic history, showcasing how cultural exchange and trade connected civilizations thousands of years ago.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Vessel Name: INSV Kaundinya
• Type: Hand-stitched replica of a 5th-century merchant ship
• Length: 20 metres
• Built At: Divar Island, Goa
• Materials Used: Coconut husk ropes, fish oil, kundroos resin
• Constructed By: Hodi Innovations (Goa)
• Supported By: Indian Navy and Ministry of Culture
• Crew Strength: 16 (trained by the Indian Navy)
• Inspiration: Ajanta cave painting depicting ancient stitched ships
• Route: Porbandar (India) to Muscat (Oman)
• Voyage Duration: Around 15 days
• Objective: Revive ancient trade routes and promote maritime heritage
• Symbolic Role: Maritime diplomacy & cultural heritage revival

Question & Answer

Q1. What is INSV Kaundinya?
(a) A nuclear submarine
(b) A hand-stitched replica of a 5th-century merchant ship
(c) A research vessel for ocean studies
(d) A modern sail training ship
Answer: A hand-stitched replica of a 5th-century merchant ship

Q2. Where was INSV Kaundinya constructed?
(a) Karwar
(b) Porbandar
(c) Divar Island, Goa
(d) Kochi
Answer: Divar Island, Goa

Q3. What materials were used to stitch the INSV Kaundinya?
(a) Steel cables and resin glue
(b) Coconut husk rope, fish oil, and kundroos resin
(c) Hemp fibre and tar
(d) Bamboo and wax
Answer: Coconut husk rope, fish oil, and kundroos resin

Q4. The idea for INSV Kaundinya was inspired by which historical source?
(a) Harappan seals
(b) Ajanta cave paintings
(c) Sangam literature
(d) Chola inscriptions
Answer: Ajanta cave paintings

Q5. What is the destination of INSV Kaundinya’s upcoming voyage?
(a) Doha
(b) Dubai
(c) Muscat
(d) Colombo
Answer: Muscat

Q6. How many crew members are part of the INSV Kaundinya expedition?
(a) 12
(b) 14
(c) 16
(d) 20
Answer: 16

Q7. Which organisation supported the project along with the Indian Navy?
(a) Ministry of Tourism
(b) Ministry of Culture
(c) Ministry of Shipping
(d) Archaeological Survey of India
Answer: Ministry of Culture

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