New Delhi, May 21, 2025 — In a landmark event celebrating India’s rich maritime heritage, the Indian Navy has officially inducted the historic wooden vessel ‘Kaundinya’, a ship meticulously constructed using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques. The ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam and witnessed the presence of senior naval officers, maritime historians, and dignitaries from across the nation.
Reviving India’s Maritime Legacy
‘Kaundinya’ is not just a ship—it’s a symbol of India’s centuries-old maritime knowledge, revived through painstaking craftsmanship and historical research. Built entirely using traditional methods without the use of modern machinery, the ship is a tribute to the skills once employed by ancient Indian seafarers who navigated vast oceans long before modern technology.
Constructed from locally sourced teakwood, ‘Kaundinya’ showcases traditional joinery techniques and ancient design principles referenced from ancient texts like the Yuktikalpataru and maritime records dating back to the Chola and Mauryan periods. The ship demonstrates India’s deep-rooted expertise in naval architecture and oceanic navigation, now recognized as a significant cultural asset by the Indian Navy.
A Symbol of Cultural and Strategic Renaissance
Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, lauded the induction of ‘Kaundinya’ as a moment of immense pride and cultural revival. “This ship is not just about the past; it’s a bridge connecting our glorious maritime history to future naval aspirations. The Indian Navy remains committed to preserving and honoring our maritime legacy,” he said during the commissioning ceremony.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Culture to revitalize indigenous technologies and integrate them into national pride projects. The successful construction and induction of ‘Kaundinya’ is seen as a milestone under India’s Maritime India Vision 2030.
Educational and Diplomatic Outreach
In addition to its symbolic and ceremonial role, ‘Kaundinya’ will serve as a floating museum and educational platform. It is expected to tour major coastal cities and maritime heritage hubs, offering students, researchers, and the public an immersive experience into India’s naval traditions.
There are also plans to showcase the ship in international waters as part of India’s soft power diplomacy, especially in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean Region—areas historically connected to Indian maritime trade routes.
A New Chapter in Indian Naval History
With the induction of ‘Kaundinya’, the Indian Navy has not only honored its glorious past but has also taken a decisive step toward preserving ancient craftsmanship for future generations. This unique vessel embodies a resurgence of pride in indigenous knowledge systems and reaffirms India’s stature as a maritime civilization with deep historical roots.
As India charts a course toward becoming a leading global naval power, ‘Kaundinya’ will remain a proud symbol of its enduring legacy and visionary future.
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