India Reconnects with Ancient Ocean Links as IASV Kaundinya Sails to Oman
INSV Kaundinya: The Navy's non-engined traditional seagoing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, departed Porbandar on Monday for Muscat, Oman, on its maiden international voyage. The ship, INSV Kaundinya, sailing to Oman, was built using traditional sewing methods. It is modeled after a 5th-century ship and was inspired by a painting from the ancient Ajanta Caves.
The ship has been named after Kaundinya, the legendary seafarer who sailed to South East Asia from India. This ship represents how India has always been a coastal country.
The Indian Navy handed over the task of commissioning and naming the ship to the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (IASV) Kaundinya, which took place during a ceremony conducted at the Karwar Naval Base on May 21st in the presence of Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The sailing ship left for its maiden journey to Oman on Monday from Porbandar, Gujarat.
The Navy has declared that the path the ship will take will be along the historical routes used in the past for the connection between the western coast of the Indian subcontinent and the landmass of Oman. The ship is modeled after a 5th-century AD ship and inspired by a painting from the Ajanta Caves.
Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
In September 2023, a team of skilled artisans led by Master Shipwright Babu Shankaran began construction of the ship using traditional sewing methods. Over several months, the team painstakingly joined wooden planks to the ship's hull using coconut silk rope, coconut fiber, and natural resins. The ship was launched in February 2025 at the Hodi Shipyard in Goa.
