INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy’s remarkable stitched sailing vessel, is set to embark on its maiden overseas voyage on December 29, 2025. This historic journey signifies a revival of India's ancient shipbuilding and maritime traditions, echoing the nation's rich seafaring legacy.
The vessel will be flagged off from Porbandar in Gujarat, sailing towards Muscat in Oman. This voyage retraces historic maritime routes that historically linked the Indian subcontinent with West Asia and beyond. It symbolizes India's enduring engagement with the Indian Ocean region, fostering trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic relations for centuries.
Constructed entirely using the traditional stitched-plank technique, INSV Kaundinya embodies a shipbuilding method once prevalent along India's coastline. Unlike contemporary vessels, this wooden ship's planks are stitched together with coconut coir rope and sealed using natural resins. Such a technology, free from metal fastenings, allowed ancient Indian mariners to conduct long-distance voyages to Africa, Southeast Asia, and West Asia long before modern navigation tools were available.
The project was realized through a tripartite memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations. Traditional artisans, guided by master shipwright Babu Sankaran, crafted the vessel. Extensive research, design validation, and testing conducted by the Indian Navy and academic institutions ensured that the ship is fully seaworthy and capable of sustained ocean navigation.
Named after Kaundinya, a legendary ancient mariner thought to have sailed from India to Southeast Asia, INSV Kaundinya symbolizes India’s historic role as a maritime nation. This vessel represents a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and modern naval expertise, reinforcing India's commitment to rediscovering and showcasing indigenous knowledge systems while enhancing its cultural and maritime diplomacy in the Indian Ocean world.
Q1. What is INSV Kaundinya?
Answer: INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sailing vessel built by the Indian Navy, representing India's ancient shipbuilding traditions and maritime heritage.
Q2. When will INSV Kaundinya set sail?
Answer: The vessel is scheduled to embark on its maiden overseas voyage on December 29, 2025, from Porbandar to Muscat.
Q3. What shipbuilding technique is used for INSV Kaundinya?
Answer: The vessel is constructed using the traditional stitched-plank technique, utilizing coconut coir rope and natural resins instead of metal fastenings.
Q4. Who were involved in the construction of INSV Kaundinya?
Answer: The project involved the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and traditional artisans, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran.
Q5. What does INSV Kaundinya symbolize?
Answer: It symbolizes India's rich maritime heritage and its historical role as a seafaring nation, enhancing cultural and maritime diplomacy in the Indian Ocean.
Question 1: What is the significance of INSV Kaundinya's maiden voyage?
A) It marks the end of traditional shipbuilding
B) It symbolizes India's maritime heritage
C) It is a commercial trading journey
D) It demonstrates modern navigation tools
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which technique was used to build INSV Kaundinya?
A) Metal fasteners
B) Stitched-plank technique
C) Reinforced concrete
D) Fiberglass molding
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: From where will INSV Kaundinya be flagged off?
A) Mumbai
B) Chennai
C) Porbandar
D) Kochi
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which two entities collaborated for the construction of INSV Kaundinya?
A) Indian Army and Ministry of Defence
B) Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy
C) Hodi Innovations and Indian Railways
D) Traditional Artisans and Indian Air Force
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Who is Kaundinya in the context of INSV Kaundinya?
A) A famous sailor
B) A legendary mariner
C) A shipwright
D) A cultural ambassador
Correct Answer: B
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