In a remarkable tribute to India’s rich maritime heritage, the Indian Navy has officially inducted a traditionally built, ancient stitched ship into its fleet, christened INSV Kaundinya. The ship, constructed using age-old Indian shipbuilding techniques, represents a revival of the ‘stitched ship’ method, a unique and ancient process in which wooden planks are fastened using coir ropes rather than nails or metal fasteners.
This method, once widely used along the Indian coastline and by seafarers navigating the Indian Ocean, showcases the advanced maritime knowledge and craftsmanship of ancient India. The induction ceremony, held with naval and cultural significance, highlights India’s commitment to preserving and honoring its naval traditions. INSV Kaundinya stands not only as a vessel but as a symbol of India’s ancient seafaring legacy, echoing the era when Indian mariners played a pivotal role in regional trade and exploration.
Experts and historians hailed the induction as a milestone in cultural preservation. The ship’s construction involved traditional shipwrights and artisans, ensuring that ancestral knowledge is not only honored but passed on.
