Traditional Indian Hand-Stitched Ship Docks in Oman, Showcasing Cultural Heritage
The Indian Navy’s traditional wooden sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, has successfully completed a remarkable 17-day journey from Porbandar, India, to Muscat, Oman. The ship, which relies solely on square sails for propulsion, was greeted with a water salute upon its arrival. This voyage retraced an ancient maritime route that has connected India to the world for centuries, showcasing the rich maritime heritage of the region.
Construction and Design of INSV Kaundinya
INSV Kaundinya is a unique vessel built using traditional shipbuilding techniques. The ship was constructed without nails or metal fastenings, employing wooden planks stitched together with coir rope derived from coconut fiber. Natural resin was used to seal the joints, emphasizing the craftsmanship that reflects ancient Indian maritime practices. The design of the ship draws inspiration from a 5th-century vessel depicted in the Ajanta caves, which is one of the few visual records of early Indian seafaring.
Naval architects faced challenges in recreating the ship’s form due to the absence of surviving blueprints from that era. They relied on historical references and iconography to guide their work. The vessel incorporates culturally significant features, including sails adorned with motifs of the Gandabherunda, a mythical two-headed bird representing the Hindu god Vishnu. Additionally, the bow features a sculpted Simha Yali, a creature from South Indian lore, and a symbolic Harappan-style stone anchor is placed on the deck, each element reflecting the rich maritime traditions of ancient India.
The Voyage Experience
The journey of INSV Kaundinya began on December 29, 2023, and was marked by both challenges and triumphs. The ship’s crew, which included Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic advisory council, shared updates on social media throughout the voyage. The crew faced various hardships, including a lack of proper sleeping arrangements and air conditioning, as well as bouts of seasickness. Despite these challenges, Commander Hemant Kumar, the officer-in-charge, described the experience as “exhilarating” and “adventurous.”
The ship’s arrival in Oman was celebrated with a water salute, symbolizing the successful completion of a journey that not only tested the crew’s resilience but also honored India’s maritime heritage. The crew expressed relief and joy upon reaching land after nearly three weeks at sea, highlighting the physical and mental demands of the voyage.
Future Plans for INSV Kaundinya
Following its successful journey to Oman, the future plans for INSV Kaundinya remain uncertain. The ship, which was launched in February 2025 in Goa, is expected to play a significant role in promoting India’s maritime culture and heritage. The Indian Navy has not yet announced when the ship and its crew will begin their return journey to India.
The voyage serves as a reminder of India’s long-standing connection to the sea and the importance of preserving traditional maritime practices. As the crew reflects on their experiences, the journey of INSV Kaundinya stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and the rich history of Indian seafaring.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
