INSV Kaundinya: India’s Historic Voyage to Oman Revives Ancient Maritime Legacy

India recently celebrated a remarkable maritime achievement as the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya completed its 18-day voyage from the Indian coast to Muscat, Oman. The journey, spanning over two weeks across the Arabian Sea, not only demonstrated exceptional seamanship but also paid homage to India’s rich ancient seafaring traditions.

The ship follows Tankai method, a traditional Indian shipbuilding technique that avoids metal entirely. | NDTV

A Journey Across Time

INSV Kaundinya’s voyage represents more than a simple naval expedition; it retraces trade and cultural routes that have connected the Indian subcontinent with the Arabian Peninsula for millennia. The vessel is a meticulously crafted replica of fifth-century CE ships depicted in the Ajanta Cave murals, which illustrate the maritime trade and craftsmanship of ancient India.

Unlike modern vessels, Kaundinya was built without engines or metallic fasteners. Its wooden planks are stitched together using coir rope and natural resins, reflecting traditional shipbuilding methods that combine durability with flexibility. The successful crossing underscores the enduring functionality of these age-old techniques while highlighting India’s expertise in preserving and reviving traditional maritime knowledge.

Design and Construction

The concept of INSV Kaundinya was conceived by Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, to rekindle India’s maritime heritage. The project was realized through a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, a private shipbuilding firm in Goa. Master shipwrights from Kerala, led by Babu Sankaran, employed traditional techniques over several months to construct the vessel, combining craftsmanship with modern research and hydrodynamic testing.

The ship’s design is imbued with symbolism. Its bow features the Simha Yali, a mythical lion, and the Gandabherunda, a legendary two-headed bird. These elements reflect the deep cultural roots of India’s nautical traditions, linking the vessel to a long lineage of artistry and maritime identity.

The Voyage and Crew

Commanded by Commander Vikas Sheoran and a crew of naval officers and sailors, Kaundinya departed from Porbandar, Gujarat, in late December 2025. For 18 days, the crew navigated the Arabian Sea using wind-powered sails alone, reaching Muscat on January 14, 2026. Their arrival was greeted with a ceremonial water salute, marking the achievement not only as a navigational success but also as a celebration of India-Oman maritime relations.

Crew members captured and shared moments from the journey on social media, with jubilant announcements like “Land Ahoy!” upon sighting Oman. The expedition highlighted the human spirit of adventure, determination, and respect for heritage, bridging the gap between ancient techniques and modern naval discipline.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The vessel is named after Kaundinya I, an ancient Indian mariner who sailed to Southeast Asia, marrying Queen Soma and establishing the early Indianized kingdom of Funan in present-day Cambodia. This connection emphasizes India’s historical role in maritime trade, cultural exchange, and diplomacy.

Beyond historical homage, the voyage reinforces India’s continuing engagement with its neighbors across the Indian Ocean. It serves as a symbolic reminder of centuries-old trade networks, shared cultural ties, and the importance of maritime diplomacy in modern times.

A Legacy for the Future

INSV Kaundinya’s successful journey is both a tribute to India’s ancient craftsmanship and a demonstration of the country’s innovative revival of traditional knowledge. By combining historical shipbuilding methods with modern navigational expertise, the project sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at celebrating and preserving maritime heritage.

The expedition not only rekindles pride in India’s oceanic past but also strengthens cultural and diplomatic connections in the region, inspiring generations to value history while embracing modern innovation.

The MGMM Outlook

India recently celebrated a landmark achievement in maritime heritage as the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya completed an 18-day voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman. The journey, relying solely on wind-powered sails, showcased remarkable seamanship while reviving India’s centuries-old seafaring traditions. Inspired by fifth-century CE ship designs depicted in the Ajanta Cave murals, Kaundinya was built without engines or metal fasteners, using coir ropes and natural resins. This approach not only preserved the craftsmanship of ancient Indian shipbuilding but also demonstrated the durability and functionality of traditional maritime techniques. The expedition highlighted India’s ability to blend historical knowledge with contemporary naval discipline, emphasizing both skill and cultural pride.

The voyage also reinforced India’s historical and cultural connections across the Indian Ocean. Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya I, who established early Indianized kingdoms in Southeast Asia, the expedition echoed India’s longstanding role in trade, cultural exchange, and diplomacy. Beyond celebrating history, the journey strengthened modern India-Oman relations and symbolized the importance of maritime networks in regional engagement. By successfully combining heritage with modern navigation, INSV Kaundinya’s voyage serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting India’s maritime legacy.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, NDTV)