INSV Kaundinya Completes 18-Day Voyage to Muscat Reviving Ancient Maritime Traditions

The INSV Kaundinya, an indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel inspired by 5th-century Ajanta Cave paintings, completed an 18-day voyage from Porbandar, India, to Muscat, Oman. Constructed using ancient techniques by skilled artisans led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran, the 16-member crew included Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal. The project, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy, aims to revive India's maritime heritage, though some experts note uncertainties about the ship's historical accuracy based solely on mural depictions.