India to Recreate Ancient Sea Route as INSV Kaundinya Prepares for Historic Muscat Voyage

India is set to retrace its ancient maritime heritage as INSV Kaundinya, a hand-stitched replica of a 5th-century merchant ship, prepares for a historic voyage to Muscat later this month. The wooden vessel has sailed from the naval base at Karwar and is currently on an eight-day journey to Porbandar, Gujarat, from where it will embark on its international expedition across the Arabian Sea.

Reviving Ancient Indian Maritime Traditions

INSV Kaundinya has been built using traditional shipbuilding techniques once prevalent along India’s western coast. Constructed on Divar Island in Goa, the 20-metre-long vessel has been stitched and lashed with coconut husk rope, sealed using fish oil and natural tree sap known as kundroos. No modern structural modifications have been introduced, ensuring authenticity in design and sailing capability, closely mirroring ancient Indian merchant ships depicted in historical records.

Historic Route and Naval Preparation

The voyage from Porbandar to Muscat will follow ancient maritime trade routes that once connected India with West Asia, transporting spices, ivory, textiles, and other goods. The expedition will be undertaken by a 16-member crew trained extensively by the Indian Navy. Training included post-monsoon sea trials, rigging exercises, and carpentry sessions conducted by traditional artisans, ensuring the crew is equipped to manage the vessel under open-sea conditions.

Ajanta Caves Inspiration and Cultural Collaboration

The idea for constructing INSV Kaundinya was inspired by a 5th-century painting found in the Ajanta caves, depicting a stitched ocean-going vessel. The project was supported by the Indian Navy and the Union Ministry of Culture, with construction carried out by Hodi Innovations, a Goa-based traditional shipyard. The initiative reflects a rare collaboration between historians, artisans, policymakers, and naval experts to bring India’s maritime past to life.

Exam Oriented Facts

• INSV Kaundinya is a replica of a 5th-century Indian merchant ship.
• The vessel is stitched using coconut husk rope and natural sealants.
• It was inspired by ship imagery found in the Ajanta cave paintings.
• The ship has been inducted into the Indian Navy.

Symbol of Heritage and Maritime Diplomacy

The Muscat voyage is expected to take around 15 days, depending on weather conditions. Beyond its navigational challenge, the expedition is seen as a symbol of India’s long-standing maritime links with the Gulf region. By reviving ancient seafaring practices, INSV Kaundinya highlights India’s historical role in transoceanic trade and cultural exchange, reinforcing heritage-based maritime diplomacy in the modern era.