INSV Kaundinya Completes Maritime Voyage, Reviving Ancient Shipbuilding Techniques
INSV Kaundinya recreates ancient maritime routes, completing a 17-day voyage using traditional shipbuilding.
Photo by Thomas Kinto
Key Facts
Voyage duration: 17 days
Ship type: Stitched ship (INSV Kaundinya)
Objective: Revive ancient shipbuilding
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture
GS Paper III: Science and Technology (Indigenous Technology)
Potential for questions on ancient shipbuilding techniques and their relevance today
Visual Insights
INSV Kaundinya Voyage Route
Map showing the voyage route of INSV Kaundinya, connecting India and Muscat, highlighting India's maritime heritage.
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More Information
Background
The tradition of stitched ships in India, also known as 'tanka' method, dates back over two millennia. Literary and archaeological evidence suggests its prevalence during the Mauryan and Satavahana periods. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a 1st-century CE Greco-Roman navigational text, mentions the use of stitched boats in the Indian Ocean trade.
This method involved using coir ropes to stitch together planks of wood, offering flexibility and resilience in turbulent waters. Over time, the dominance of stitched ships declined with the advent of iron-fastened vessels, but pockets of this ancient craft persisted in regions like Gujarat and Lakshadweep, showcasing the enduring legacy of India's maritime past.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in preserving and promoting traditional Indian shipbuilding techniques. Organizations like the Indian Navy and various maritime museums have been actively involved in documenting and reviving these ancient practices. The INSV Kaundinya voyage is part of this broader effort to reconnect with India's maritime heritage.
Furthermore, academic institutions are conducting research on the structural integrity and hydrodynamics of stitched ships, aiming to integrate traditional knowledge with modern engineering principles. This revival also aligns with the government's focus on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in the defense sector, encouraging indigenous shipbuilding and technological innovation.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'stitched ship' building technique prevalent in ancient India: 1. Coir ropes were primarily used to stitch wooden planks together. 2. This technique was prominently mentioned in the Arthashastra. 3. The 'tanka' method is another name for this shipbuilding practice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct as coir ropes were indeed used. Statement 3 is also correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Arthashastra mentions shipbuilding, it doesn't specifically detail the 'stitched ship' technique. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea does.
2. Which of the following best describes the primary advantage of using the 'stitched ship' building technique in ancient maritime navigation?
- A.Enhanced speed and maneuverability in open waters
- B.Increased resistance to pirate attacks due to stronger hull construction
- C.Greater flexibility and resilience in turbulent sea conditions
- D.Reduced construction costs due to the use of readily available iron materials
Show Answer
Answer: C
The stitched ship technique provided greater flexibility, allowing the vessel to withstand turbulent sea conditions better than rigid, iron-fastened ships. The other options are either incorrect or not the primary advantage.
3. Assertion (A): The Indian Navy's initiative to revive stitched ship building techniques is primarily aimed at promoting sustainable shipbuilding practices. Reason (R): Stitched ships traditionally used biodegradable materials and required less energy-intensive construction processes. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true. The revival of stitched ship building aligns with sustainable practices due to the use of biodegradable materials and less energy-intensive processes. The reason correctly explains the assertion.