From Ajanta to the Arabian sea: INSV Kaundinya revives India’s Ancient shipbuilding legacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the designers, artisans, shipbuilders and the Indian Navy as INSV Kaundinya embarked on her maiden international voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat, Oman , marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime and cultural outreach.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister described the voyage as a proud moment for the country, highlighting that INSV Kaundinya has been built using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique. “This ship highlights India’s rich maritime traditions,” he said, extending his best wishes to the crew for a safe and memorable journey as they retrace India’s historic links with the Gulf region and beyond.

INSV Kaundinya is a unique sailing vessel inspired by a 5th-century ship depiction from the Ajanta cave paintings . The ship has been constructed entirely using the traditional stitched-plank method, in which wooden planks are stitched together with coir rope instead of being nailed or welded, a technique once widely used by Indian shipwrights for long-distance ocean voyages. This indigenous method allowed ancient Indian vessels to remain flexible and resilient in rough seas, enabling extensive trade and cultural exchanges across the Indian Ocean.

The project is a collaborative effort involving the Indian Navy, traditional artisans from Kerala, historians, and naval architects, aimed at reviving and showcasing India’s lesser-known but sophisticated shipbuilding legacy. INSV Kaundinya was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2023 as part of a broader initiative to reconnect modern India with its maritime past.

The voyage from Porbandar to Muscat holds symbolic significance, as the ancient ports of western India maintained strong trade, cultural and civilisational links with the Gulf region for centuries. By following these historical sea routes, the ship seeks to underline India’s long-standing role as a maritime nation and a bridge between civilizations.

Prime Minister Modi’s message underscored this historical continuity, noting that the journey goes beyond navigation, serving as a reminder of India’s deep-rooted seafaring traditions. The voyage of INSV Kaundinya is expected to strengthen cultural diplomacy while bringing global attention to India’s ancient maritime expertise.