Why in News?
The Indian Navy’s indigenously built stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya embarked on its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar (Gujarat) to Muscat (Oman), retracing ancient maritime routes and highlighting India’s maritime heritage and India–Oman civilisational ties.
Description:
Technical & Design Features of INSV Kaundinya:
- Type: Two-masted traditional sailboat
- Construction technique: Stitched shipbuilding (ancient Indian technique)
- Materials: It uses no metal nails; wooden planks are stitched together using natural fibres, reflecting historical seafaring practices.
- Crew: Naval officers and sailors with special training
- Inspired by: Ancient Indian ship depictions, Ajanta cave paintings and Historical maritime records of Indian Ocean trade
- Collaborating institutions: Ministry of Culture, Naval heritage and maritime experts
Significance:
- Revives India’s ancient Indian Ocean stitched-ship trade tradition, linking the western coast with the Arabian region.
- Voyage Porbandar–Muscat reinforces India–Oman historical and maritime ties, especially Gujarat–Oman links.
- Enhances maritime diplomacy and cultural soft power in the Indian Ocean Region, aligning with India’s SAGAR vision.
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