Ancient-Inspired Indian Hand-Stitched Ship Makes Splashy Oman Debut

The Indian Navy's hand-stitched wooden sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, has completed a remarkable journey, arriving in Oman to a warm welcome after 17 days at sea. The ship set sail from Porbandar, located on India's west coast, on December 29 and reached Muscat, Oman, retracing an ancient maritime route that once connected India to the rest of the world. This voyage was not just a test of endurance but also a tribute to India's rich seafaring history.

INSV Kaundinya stands out because of its traditional construction methods. The ship was built without using any nails or metal fastenings. Instead, wooden planks were stitched together with coir rope made from coconut fiber and sealed with natural resin. The vessel does not have an engine and relies solely on two large, cream-colored square sails to catch the wind and propel it forward. The sails are decorated with motifs, including the Gandabherunda, a mythical two-headed bird, and the sun. The bow of the ship features a sculpted Simha Yali, a legendary creature from South Indian folklore, and the deck is adorned with a symbolic Harappan-style stone anchor. These elements were chosen to reflect the rich maritime traditions of ancient India.

The design of INSV Kaundinya was inspired by a 5th-century ship depicted in a painting at the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra. Since there are no surviving blueprints from that era, the builders had to rely on the visual clues from the ancient artwork to recreate the vessel's form. The ship's construction began in September 2023 in Goa and was launched in February 2025. The project aimed to revive and celebrate the craftsmanship and techniques that were once common across the Indian Ocean region.

During the voyage, the crew faced several challenges. There were no proper beds or air conditioning, and the heat and humidity made conditions tough. Sea-sickness was also a problem for some members. Despite these hardships, the journey was described as exhilarating and adventurous by Commander Hemant Kumar, the officer-in-charge. Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic advisory council, was part of the crew and regularly shared updates and photos from the trip on social media. One of his posts showed the ship braving heavy rains while at sea.

The arrival of INSV Kaundinya in Oman was celebrated with a water salute, and the event drew attention to the enduring connection between India and Oman through maritime history. The ship's journey serves as a reminder of the skills and knowledge possessed by ancient Indian sailors, who navigated vast distances using only the wind and stars. It also highlights the importance of preserving traditional crafts and techniques for future generations.

As of now, it is unclear when INSV Kaundinya and its crew will begin their return journey to India. The successful completion of this voyage has sparked interest in India's maritime heritage and the role of traditional sailing vessels in connecting cultures and economies across the Indian Ocean. The story of INSV Kaundinya is a testament to the spirit of adventure and the enduring legacy of India's seafaring past.