INSV Kaundinya

INSV Kaundinya Latest News

The Indian Navy has inducted the INSV Kaundinya, a reconstructed 5th-century stitched ship based on depictions found in the Ajanta Cave paintings.

About INSV Kaundinya

• This initiative was launched in July 2023 under a tripartite agreement involving the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations.
• The Ministry of Culture funded the ship as a symbol of India’s ancient shipbuilding tradition and to promote maritime heritage awareness.
• INSV Kaundinya is scheduled to sail along the ancient maritime trade route from Gujarat to Oman later in 2025.

Traditional Shipbuilding Techniques

• The ship was constructed using ancient “stitched ship” techniques, where wooden planks are joined using coir ropes, coconut fibres, and natural resin, without metal nails.
• The design was based on a 5th-century maritime scene depicted in the Ajanta mural paintings.
• As there are no surviving blueprints, the design process involved interpreting 2D artistic representations through archaeological, naval architectural, and hydrodynamic analysis.

Symbolism and Cultural Integration

• The sails feature motifs such as the ‘Gandabherunda’ (mythical two-headed eagle) and the Sun, symbolizing strength and vitality.
• The bow is adorned with a ‘Simha Yali’ (mythical lion-like figure), reflecting traditional South Indian maritime iconography.
• A Harappan-style stone anchor on the deck connects the ship to India’s Indus Valley maritime legacy.
• Named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian sailor who reached Southeast Asia, the ship highlights India’s role in ancient transoceanic trade and cultural exchange.

About Ajanta Paintings

• The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, date from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, and are among the earliest surviving examples of Indian mural art.
• The paintings follow the tempera technique (painting on dry plaster with pigments), using vegetable and mineral dyes like red ochre, black, and brown.
• The murals focus on Buddhist themes, such as the Jataka Tales, life of the Buddha, and Avadanas, often interwoven with nature motifs and decorative patterns.
• Figures are depicted with heavy proportions, expressive gestures, and distinctive hairstyles, showcasing emotional depth and spiritual symbolism.

INSV Kaundinya FAQs

Q1: What is INSV Kaundinya?
Ans: INSV Kaundinya is a reconstructed stitched ship commissioned by the Indian Navy, inspired by 5th-century maritime depictions in the Ajanta Caves.

Q2: What traditional techniques were used to build INSV Kaundinya?
Ans: The ship was built using ancient stitched shipbuilding methods, where wooden planks are tied together using coir ropes, coconut fibres, and natural resin, with no use of metal nails.

Source: TH