With reference to INSV Kaundinya, consider the following statements:
It is India’s first stitched ship built using the ancient Tankai shipbuilding technique without metal fasteners.
The ship’s design is inspired by Ajanta cave paintings and the Sanskrit text Yuktikalpataru.
It commemorates an ancient Indian mariner associated with the founding of the Kingdom of Funan.
During its maiden voyage, it relied on OneWeb satellite connectivity provided by Eutelsat.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4 only
Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
Statement 1 – Correct
INSV Kaundinya is India’s first stitched ship, constructed using the ancient Tankai method, which uses stitched wooden planks tied with coir ropes and avoids metal fasteners, making the vessel flexible and corrosion-resistant.
Statement 2 – Correct
The ship’s design draws inspiration from 5th-century Ajanta cave paintings and the Sanskrit maritime treatise Yuktikalpataru, attributed to King Bhoja, reflecting indigenous naval architecture.
Statement 3 – Correct
The vessel is named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian mariner credited with sailing to the Mekong Delta and co-founding the Kingdom of Funan (modern Cambodia), one of the earliest Indianised states in Southeast Asia.
Statement 4 – Correct
During its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, INSV Kaundinya received high-speed satellite connectivity via the OneWeb satellite constellation operated by Eutelsat.