The Indian Navy’s INSV ‘Kaundinya’ has completed its historic voyage to Oman, 18 days after setting sail. Skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, the 16-member crew arrived safely in Muscat, marking a milestone in India’s maritime legacy. The expedition was celebrated on social media, with project co-initiator Sanjeev Sanyal sharing images and exclaiming, “We did it!”

Built using an ancient “stitching” technique inspired by a 5th-century CE ship depicted in Ajanta Cave paintings, the vessel incorporates coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin. This unique construction method, revived for the project, demonstrates India’s centuries-old expertise in shipbuilding and seafaring.

The vessel’s design also celebrates India’s cultural and maritime heritage. Its sails feature Gandabherunda and Sun motifs, the bow carries a sculpted Simha Yali, and a Harappan-style stone anchor adorns the deck, symbolizing centuries of trade, exploration, and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.

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The INSV ‘Kaundinya’ is named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who sailed from India to the Mekong Delta in the first century CE. The ship was constructed under a tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Goa-based Hodi Innovations, with master shipwright Babu Sankaran leading a team of skilled artisans from Kerala.

Construction began with the keel laying in September 2023, and over several months, wooden planks were painstakingly stitched together using traditional methods. The ship was launched in February 2025 in Goa and has since demonstrated that ancient maritime techniques can withstand modern seafaring challenges.

The successful voyage was lauded by retired Naval Commander Abhilash Tomy, who praised the crew for earning their “sea legs” and hailed the mission as a tribute to India’s enduring seafaring traditions. The INSV ‘Kaundinya’ now stands as a tangible symbol of India’s rich maritime history and innovation in preserving heritage craft.

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