Why in news: The Prime Minister has lauded INSV Kaundinya as it embarks on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, symbolically retracing India’s ancient maritime trade routes across the Indian Ocean.
About INSV Kaundinya
Type: Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV)
What it is:
oA recreated ancient Indian ocean-going ship, based on a 5th-century CE vessel depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings.
Built by:
oIndian Navy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
Purpose:
oTo showcase India’s maritime heritage, traditional shipbuilding knowledge, and ancient navigation capabilities.
Key Features
1Stitched-ship construction: Wooden planks are stitched together, not nailed—an ancient Indian shipbuilding technique.
2Traditional materials: Coconut coir ropes, natural resins, and wooden planks; no modern metal fastenings used.
3Cultural symbolism:
oGandabherunda and Sun motifs on sails
oSimha Yali figure on the bow
oHarappan-style stone anchor on the deck
4Ocean-going capability: Designed, tested, and certified as fully seaworthy for long-distance navigation.
5Historic identity: Named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner linked to early India–Southeast Asia maritime contacts.
Significance
1Reinforces India’s historical role as a maritime civilisation.
2Demonstrates continuity of indigenous technological knowledge.
3Strengthens cultural diplomacy and heritage-based soft power.
4Relevant to India’s broader Indian Ocean outreach.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
