INSV Kaundinya

Context

On May 22, 2025, the Indian Navy formally inducted INSV Kaundinya, a reconstructed stitched sail ship based on ancient Indian maritime traditions, at a ceremonial event at Naval Base, Karwar. The vessel is a replica of a 5th-century ship depicted in Ajanta Cave paintings and is part of a tripartite cultural-military initiative to revive and showcase India’s shipbuilding heritage.

About INSV Kaundinya:

INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship, an ancient method of ship construction where wooden planks are stitched together using coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin, without nails or modern fasteners.
The name "Kaundinya" honours the legendary Indian mariner believed to have sailed to Southeast Asia, symbolising India’s maritime legacy.

Historical and Cultural Roots:

The vessel is a recreation of a ship depicted in Ajanta cave murals, dating back to the 5th century CE.
The Ajanta caves, located in Maharashtra, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their elaborate frescoes depicting scenes from the Jataka tales and ancient Indian life, including maritime trade.

Project Collaboration and Execution:

The ship was built through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between:
- Union Ministry of Culture
- Indian Navy
- Hodi Innovations (a maritime heritage organisation)
The construction was funded by the Ministry of Culture as part of efforts to revive traditional technologies.
Master shipwright Babu Sankaran from Kerala led the traditional craftsmanship team