INSV Kaundinya Sets Sail to Revive India's Maritime Heritage

The INSV Kaundinya embarked on a landmark voyage inspired by ancient Indian maritime heritage, reconstructed with indigenous stitching techniques. Spearheaded by Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, the project celebrates the cultural and historical significance of Indian seafaring traditions, culminating in an 18-day journey from Gujarat to Oman.

India's maritime legacy took center stage as Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, lauded the INSV Kaundinya's journey. At a celebratory event in Oman, Sanyal described the vessel as a 'landmark effort' to revive ancient Indian seafaring traditions, reconstructed using indigenous techniques derived from 5th-century Ajanta Cave depictions.

Sanyal detailed the design process, highlighting the creative journey from historical art to modern execution. 'We started with a line drawing based on Ajanta paintings and combined it with traditional board building practices,' he explained. The project drew inspiration from a similar Omani endeavor, with vital input from Captain Saleh benefiting the design and reconstruction phases.

The venture was brought to fruition in 2022, resulting in a scaled-down two-mast vessel measuring 21 meters in length and weighing 50 tons. Speaking about the 18-day voyage from Porbandar, Sanyal described it as both challenging and rewarding. He attributed the project's success to the Indian Navy's construction oversight and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's supportive vision.