Indian Navy Inducts Ancient Stitched Ship at Karwar
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: Ancient Indian shipbuilding relied heavily on the stitched ship method, which fell out of favour after European colonization brought metal-fastened ships to the Indian Ocean. NOW: INSV Kaundinya successfully revives this lost art, using hand-stitched joints instead of modern metal nails or contemporary joinery.
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BEFORE: Modern naval navigation relies on GPS, engines, and advanced aerodynamic sails. NOW: The Kaundinya operates on first principles, using historically accurate square sails and wooden steering oars rather than modern rudders.
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BEFORE: Historical evidence of Indian ships was largely restricted to literary texts or two-dimensional artistic depictions like the Ajanta murals. NOW: A fully functional three-dimensional vessel has been reverse-engineered from these murals, featuring cultural motifs like the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle) and a Harappan-style stone anchor.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, consider the following statements: 1. It is a recreation of a 5th-century stitched ship inspired by paintings found in the Ajanta Caves. 2. The ship was constructed using modern metal fasteners disguised with traditional coir to ensure modern seaworthiness. 3. The project was executed through a tripartite agreement involving the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and IIT Madras. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?