Source: PIB
Subject: Miscellaneous
Context: The Prime Minister has lauded INSV Kaundinya as it embarks on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, symbolically retracing India’s ancient maritime routes.
- Built using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique, the vessel showcases India’s rich seafaring heritage.
About INSV Kaundinya:
What it is?
- INSV Kaundinya is an Indian Naval Sailing Vessel recreated on the basis of a 5th-century CE ship depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings, representing India’s ancient ocean-going traditions.
Built by: Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture
Key features of the ship:
- Stitched wooden hull: Wooden planks are stitched together instead of being nailed, reflecting ancient shipbuilding wisdom.
- Traditional materials: Uses coconut coir rope, natural resin and wooden planks, avoiding modern metal fastenings.
- Cultural symbolism: Sails carry Gandabherunda and Sun motifs, bow features a Simha Yali, and deck holds a Harappan-style stone anchor.
- Ocean-going capability: Designed and tested to be fully seaworthy for long-distance navigation across the Indian Ocean.
- Historic identity: Named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner associated with early maritime links to Southeast Asia.
About Ancient Indian stitched-ship technique:
What it is?
- The stitched-ship technique is an indigenous Indian method of shipbuilding in which wooden planks are stitched together using natural fibres, a practice once common along India’s coastline and the Indian Ocean
Features:
- Stitching instead of nails: Planks are tied with coir rope, allowing flexibility and strength in rough seas.
- Use of organic materials: Natural resins and fibres improve durability while remaining environmentally sustainable.
- Shock absorption: Flexible joints reduce damage from waves, making ships suitable for long ocean voyages.
- Ancient maritime reach: Enabled Indian sailors to trade with West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia centuries ago.
- Living heritage revival: The technique represents the revival of India’s indigenous knowledge systems in shipbuilding.
