The Indian Navy's stitched ship INSV Kaundinya set sail from Porbandar on December 29 and arrived in Muscat, Oman, retracing ancient maritime routes. The 17-day voyage showcased ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques. Historian Sanjeev Sanyal stated it disproves the colonial narrative that Indians feared the seas.
The INSV Kaundinya, modeled on a fifth-century vessel from Ajanta caves paintings, was built by Kerala artisans using coconut fibre stitching, traditional wooden joinery, coir rope, and natural resins, without modern nails or metal fastenings. It features square sails made of cotton, no engine, and relies on wind and trailing oars. Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, who sailed to Southeast Asia, the ship embarked on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat.
Over 17 days, the crew faced being tailed by Indian fishing vessels near Sir Creek, endured 40-degree rolling in heavy seas, and navigated windless lulls. They spotted bioluminescent phytoplankton at night and sustained themselves with thepla and mango pickle when fresh rations depleted. Skipper Commander Vikas Sheoran described it as "a surreal feeling," noting the challenge of maintaining morale with repetitive meals and intense rolling.
Historian Sanjeev Sanyal, a crew member, remarked: "There was a colonial narrative that Indians feared the seas; we proved it's not true." He highlighted the ship's 4-knot speeds but noted its rolling tendencies. Expedition head Commander Y Hemanth Kumar, involved since 2021, called the journey like "watching a child grow," emphasizing India's shipbuilding legacy and its potential to inspire youth.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat stated the voyage symbolizes over 5,000 years of maritime and cultural ties between India and Oman, coinciding with 70 years of diplomatic relations. The vessel will undergo checks and return to Karwar in weeks.
