Images: X/@INSVKaundinya, PIB
The Indian Navy’s ancient stitched ship INSV Kaundinya successfully completed its maiden voyage from Gujarat to Oman, arriving in Muscat on Wednesday, January 14.
INSV Kaundinya is named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya. The ship showcases India’s maritime knowledge, craftsmanship and sustainable shipbuilding practices.
A stitched ship is an ancient type of wooden vessel built by stitching planks together with ropes or cords, instead of using nails or metal fasteners.
The sailing vessel is based on a 5th-century CE ship depicted in the Ajanta Caves paintings and was built using only traditional methods and raw materials by artisans from Kerala.
It has symbolic carvings like the Simha Yali (lion-like creature) on the bow and a Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle) motif.
The project to construct the stitched ship was formally initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy and M/s Hodi Innovations.
The ship’s hydrodynamic behaviour at sea was tested by the Indian Navy in collaboration with the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras.
Interestingly, the vessel is a sailing ship with no engine, and isn’t built for combat. It was formally inducted into the Indian Navy on May 21, 2025 at Karwar Naval Base.
Thanks for reading!
See next