INSV Kaundinya Sets Sail Without Engine: A Marvel of Ancient Indian Shipbuilding

In a remarkable feat of maritime heritage and modern engineering, the Indian Navy’s historic vessel, INSV Kaundinya, has embarked on its maiden voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman, on 20 December 2025—without any engine. The journey retraces ancient Indian maritime trade routes that historically connected India to West Asia, reflecting a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and naval expertise.

Constructed Using 5th Century Techniques
The ship is built using traditional methods dating back to the 5th century CE, with no engine, metal, or modern propulsion systems. The hull and planks are stitched together using coconut fiber ropes and sealed with natural resins, cotton, and oils—a technique that provides flexibility, allowing the ship to absorb the energy of ocean waves. Official sources describe the voyage as an effort to revisit India’s historic maritime routes while showcasing the enduring relationship between India and the Indian Ocean.

Inducted into the Navy at Karwar
INSV Kaundinya was formally inducted into the Indian Navy in May 2025 at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. Classified as a non-combat vessel, it relies solely on wind and sail, emulating the conditions faced by ancient Indian sailors during long-distance ocean voyages.

Design Inspired by Ancient Art and Texts
The ship’s design draws inspiration from ancient texts, traveler accounts, and illustrations of ships in the Ajanta Caves. It features symbolic motifs such as the two-headed Gandaberunda from the Kadamba dynasty, mythological lions, and Harappan-style decorative elements. The vessel’s master shipwright, Shri Babu Shankaran, led skilled artisans from Kerala in crafting this historic ship.

Modern Science Meets Ancient Craft
The project benefited from the expertise of institutions like IIT Madras, which conducted hydrodynamic and stability studies to ensure the vessel’s seaworthiness. Measuring 19.6 meters in length, 6.5 meters in width, and a draft of 3.33 meters, the ship is crewed by 15 sailors trained to navigate under traditional sailing conditions.

A Voyage Bridging History and Heritage
According to Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, this expedition goes beyond technical experimentation. He explained to ANI that the voyage highlights India’s rich maritime history, often overlooked in mainstream narratives. “Long before the Phoenicians, Indian sailors were navigating the Indian Ocean, trading goods and connecting civilizations,” Sanyal said.

INSV Kaundinya’s journey is not only a tribute to India’s maritime past but also a celebration of the country’s enduring spirit of exploration, trade, and craftsmanship.