Desk. Indian Navy’s ship INSV Kaundinya will begin her maiden foreign travel to Oman on 29 December. This ship will leave for Muscat from Porbandar in Gujarat. The purpose of this visit is to remind of the old sea routes between India and the Indian Ocean region, through which India was connected to the world centuries ago.
Inspired by depictions of ancient Indian ships and completely manufactured using traditional materials and techniques, the Defense Ministry said. INSV Kaundinya presents a rare amalgamation of history, craftsmanship and modern naval expertise. “Unlike contemporary ships, its wooden planks are made of coconut fiber roped together and sealed with natural resins, reflecting the shipbuilding tradition once prevalent off the coasts of India and the Indian Ocean,” the ministry said.
Officials said this technology enabled Indian sailors to undertake long-distance voyages to West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia long before the advent of modern navigation and metallurgy. The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy and Hodi Innovation, as a part of India’s efforts to rediscover and revive indigenous knowledge systems.
“Built by traditional artisans under the guidance of Master Shipwright Shri Babu Shankaran and supported by extensive research, design and testing by the Indian Navy and academic institutions, the vessel is fully seaworthy and capable of ocean navigation,” the ministry said in a statement. The ship is named after the legendary sailor Kaundinya, who is believed to have traveled from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times. The ship symbolizes India’s historical role as a maritime nation.