INSV Kaundinya

INSV Kaundinya Latest News

The Indian Navy’s pioneering stitched vessel Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya will undertake her maiden overseas voyage.  

About INSV Kaundinya

• It is a stitched ship which is inspired by a fifth-century vessel shown in Ajanta cave paintings.
• It is named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who is believed to have sailed from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times.
• It has been built using traditional stitching techniques instead of metal nails. Artisans from Kerala used coconut fibre, coir rope, wooden joinery, natural resins, and cotton sails.
• It is a joint initiative of the Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations.
• It features symbolic motifs like
  • Gandabherunda (mythical two-headed eagle) symbol of the Kadamba dynasty and the Sun
  • The bow carries a Simha Yali  
  • Harappan-style stone anchor on the deck
• Significance: INSV Kaundinya showcases India’s ancient maritime traditions. It reflects India’s historic role in trade, cultural exchange, and modern maritime diplomacy.

Who was Kaundinya?

• He is a legendary Indian mariner who sailed to Southeast Asia about 2,000 years ago.
• He married Queen Soma and founded the Funan kingdom.

Source: PIB

‹ ›