INSV Kaundinya revives India’s ancient shipbuilding legacy

SINGAPORE : The Indian Navy’s INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally built stitched sail ship inspired by 5th century CE maritime traditions, marks a remarkable revival of India’s ancient shipbuilding heritage. Crafted using age-old techniques, the vessel has been constructed without the use of nails or metal fastenings, relying instead on coir rope, coconut fibre and natural resin—methods once mastered by India’s early seafarers.

Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who is believed to have sailed across the seas to Southeast Asia, the ship stands as a living symbol of India’s rich maritime legacy, oceanic trade routes and centuries-old cultural exchange. The project reflects the ingenuity, skill and deep maritime knowledge that defined India’s historic seafaring communities.

Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern naval validation and seaworthiness assessments, INSV Kaundinya underscores India’s enduring connection with the seas. The initiative not only celebrates the nation’s seafaring past but also reinforces pride in its maritime heritage, inspiring renewed appreciation for indigenous knowledge systems and ancient technologies that shaped global navigation and trade.