INSV Kaundinya, an engine-less ship built using ancient Indian techniques, has begun its maiden voyage from India to Oman. The ship, flagged off from Porbandar in Gujarat, is sailing to Muscat, Oman. It is a significant project that revives India’s ancient maritime traditions, showing how Indian shipbuilding was advanced centuries ago. Unlike modern ships, INSV Kaundinya does not have an engine, metal nails, or modern propulsion systems. It moves entirely using sails and wind power.
The ship represents a link between India’s historical maritime achievements and modern efforts to preserve this heritage. Experts say the ship is built using methods that were practiced in India about 1,500 years ago, during the 5th century CE. This makes it a unique vessel that combines craftsmanship, history, and cultural symbolism.
INSV Kaundinya is called a “stitched ship” because of the way its wooden planks are joined. Unlike modern ships that use iron nails or metal fasteners, the wooden planks of this ship are stitched together with coir ropes made from coconut fiber. The hull is then sealed using natural resins, cotton, and oils. This method not only keeps the ship watertight but also preserves an old Indian shipbuilding tradition that was once common along the coasts of India and in the Indian Ocean.
The Defence Ministry highlighted the importance of this ancient technique. “Unlike contemporary vessels, her wooden planks are stitched together using coconut coir rope and sealed with natural resins, reflecting a shipbuilding tradition once prevalent along India’s coasts and across the Indian Ocean,” it said.
The ship measures about 19.6 metres in length and 6.5 metres in width, with a draft of around 3.33 metres. Although it is owned by the Indian Navy, INSV Kaundinya is not a combat ship. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate India’s historical maritime technology and encourage research into ancient shipbuilding methods. The ship relies on wind for movement, making it a perfect example of sustainable and traditional seafaring techniques.
The design of the ship draws inspiration from the art of Ajanta cave paintings, showing India’s rich cultural heritage. It combines functionality with aesthetics, making it a symbolic representation of India’s maritime past.
ALSO READ: Is low ovarian reserve normal in your 20s or 30s? Fertility expert answers
ALSO READ: The new 'high command' is BJP's jodi number one
INSV Kaundinya carries several cultural symbols that reflect India’s rich maritime history. One of the most notable symbols is the Gandabherunda, a two-headed eagle linked to the Kadamba dynasty. The sails of the ship feature Sun motifs, while the bow displays the mythical lion, Simha Yali. Additionally, the deck has a Harappan-style stone anchor, further linking the vessel to India’s ancient maritime past.
The ship is named after Kaundinya, an Indian mariner who historically sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. This name serves as a reminder of India’s long history of maritime exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. According to the Navy, INSV Kaundinya is a tangible symbol of India’s enduring legacy in seafaring and navigation.
The ship also shows how ancient Indian technology was both practical and innovative. Using natural materials such as coir ropes, resins, cotton, and oils, the shipbuilders were able to create a strong, durable vessel that could survive long sea voyages. This demonstrates the advanced understanding of materials and marine conditions in ancient India.
INSV Kaundinya’s voyage is not just a technical achievement but also a cultural one. It brings attention to India’s forgotten shipbuilding methods and encourages interest in traditional maritime knowledge. By sailing to Oman, the ship retraces the trade routes that Indian merchants and explorers used centuries ago, reminding the world of India’s historical connections across the Indian Ocean.
The ship’s journey also has educational value. Students, researchers, and enthusiasts of maritime history can study its construction techniques, design, and navigation methods. This provides a living example of ancient Indian craftsmanship that is rarely seen today. The voyage highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and understanding the ingenuity of India’s ancestors.
In conclusion, INSV Kaundinya is a remarkable project that revives India’s ancient maritime glory. It shows how ships were built 1,500 years ago using natural materials and wind power. The vessel’s cultural symbols, historical design, and traditional construction methods reflect India’s rich heritage in exploration, trade, and seafaring. Its journey to Oman is a tribute to India’s historical connections with countries across the Indian Ocean and serves as an inspiration for preserving ancient technologies for future generations.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash