INSV Kaundinya: Indian Navy Launches Ship Without Engines Or Weapons

The visionary behind the conception of the INSV Kaundinya was Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council. He proposed the idea of reconstructing an ancient Indian sailing vessel using traditional shipbuilding techniques, aiming to revive and celebrate India's rich maritime heritage. This initiative materialized through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, a Goa-based organization specializing in traditional boatbuilding. The project received funding from the Ministry of Culture. The construction of the vessel was led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran and a team of skilled artisans from Kerala. They employed ancient techniques, stitching wooden planks together using coir rope, coconut fiber, and natural resin, without the use of any metal fastenings.

This isn't just a ship it’s history brought to life. Inspired by 5th-century Ajanta Cave murals, INSV Kaundinya is a modern recreation of the ancient vessels once used by Indian traders and explorers. It’s named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian sailor who is believed to have journeyed across the seas to Southeast Asia and helped establish the Funan Kingdom. The construction is nothing short of a miracle. Crafted entirely from wood, without a single engine or metal bolt, the ship uses the ancient “stitched ship” technique wooden planks are sewn together using coconut fiber ropes and sealed with natural resin. This long lost craftsmanship was revived with the help of skilled artisans from Kerala and scientists from IIT Madras, blending tradition with engineering excellence.

At the launching ceremony of the vessel that held on the scenic coastline of Karwar Naval Base, the union minister of culture and tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, addressing the gathering, said, “INSV Kaundinya is not just a ship it’s a symbol of India’s forgotten maritime brilliance. This is not the end of history, but the beginning of its revival.” He urged that such initiatives continue to balance heritage conservation with sustainable development.

The vessel itself is a moving piece of art. From the Simha Yali (mythical lion) carved on the bow to the Harappan-style stone anchor on deck, every detail is rooted in India’s ancient culture. But this ship isn’t built for display it’s built to sail. Later this year, INSV Kaundinya will set off on a historic voyage from Gujarat to Oman, navigating ancient trade routes using only natural forces no motors, no machines. Just wind, wood, and wisdom. INSV Kaundinya is more than just a wooden ship. It’s a bold statement , that India’s heritage isn’t just preserved in museums it still sails the seas.