ASI begins underwater exploration to uncover submerged heritage off Dwarka coast

ASI begins underwater exploration to uncover submerged heritage off Dwarka coast

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a new phase of underwater exploration off the coast of Dwarka, Gujarat, as part of its efforts to uncover and preserve India’s submerged cultural heritage, the Ministry of Culture said on Tuesday.

A team of five archaeologists, led by Prof. Alok Tripathi, Additional Director-General (Archaeology), has begun investigations near the Gomati Creek. The team includes H.K. Nayak, Director (Excavations and Explorations), Dr. Aparajita Sharma, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist, Poonam Vind, and Rajkumari Barbina. This marks the first time that an ASI-led underwater exploration team includes a significant number of women archaeologists actively participating in the investigations.

Renewed Focus on Underwater Archaeology
This exploration is part of the revived Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of ASI, which has been reactivated to conduct offshore surveys and excavations in Dwarka and Bet Dwarka. Since the 1980s, the UAW has played a key role in underwater archaeological research, with previous explorations at sites including Bangaram Island (Lakshadweep), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Loktak Lake (Manipur), and Elephanta Island (Maharashtra).

The ASI has also worked in collaboration with the Indian Navy and other government organizations to study and protect underwater cultural heritage. Between 2005 and 2007, ASI conducted offshore and onshore excavations in Dwarka, leading to the discovery of sculptures and stone anchors during low tide. These findings formed the basis for subsequent underwater excavations.

Preserving India’s Submerged Heritage
The latest underwater investigations mark a crucial step in ASI’s ongoing mission to explore and protect India’s rich underwater heritage. As the UAW continues its research in Dwarka, the findings could offer valuable insights into the historical and cultural significance of submerged structures in the region.