ASI’S
NEW UNDERWATER EXPLORATION: HISTORY
NEWS: Dwarka
coast in Gujarat: What is ASI’s underwater exercise to understand ancient city
‘in a better way’
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
The Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) has launched a new phase of underwater exploration off the coast of
Dwarka, Gujarat, to uncover and preserve India’s submerged cultural heritage.
The project is led by a team of archaeologists, marking the first significant
participation of women archaeologists in ASI’s underwater explorations.
ASI’s
New Underwater Exploration Phase
- Launch of New
Underwater Exploration Initiative
- The
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated a new phase of
underwater exploration off the coast of Dwarka, Gujarat.
- This
new phase aims to uncover and preserve India’s submerged cultural
heritage, particularly along the shores of Dwarka, a region rich in
historical and mythological significance.
- Announcement by the
Ministry of Culture
- The
Ministry of Culture officially announced the new exploration project on
Tuesday, underlining the significance of preserving India’s underwater
heritage.
- This
project aligns with India’s broader initiative to explore, document, and
safeguard submerged cultural and historical artifacts that are integral
to India’s past.
Team
Composition
- Leading the
Investigation
- A
team of five archaeologists is spearheading the investigation near the
Gomati Creek, a region historically known for its association with the
ancient city of Dwarka.
- The
team is being led by Prof. Alok Tripathi, who serves as the Additional
Director-General (Archaeology) at ASI.
- Team Members
- H.K.
Nayak:
Director of Excavations and Explorations at ASI, responsible for
overseeing the excavation processes.
- Dr.
Aparajita Sharma:
Assistant Superintending Archaeologist, playing a critical role in the
archaeological exploration and documentation.
- Poonam
Vind and Rajkumari Barbina:
Other team members contributing to the excavation and research.
- This
exploration marks a significant milestone for gender representation, as
it includes considerable participation from women archaeologists,
highlighting the growing inclusion of women in ASI-led archaeological
research.
Renewed
Focus on Underwater Archaeology
- Revitalization of
the Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW)
- The
exploration is part of the reactivation of the Underwater Archaeology
Wing (UAW) of ASI, which has been dormant in recent years.
- The
UAW has been reactivated to carry out offshore surveys and excavations
specifically in the regions of Dwarka and Bet Dwarka, known for their
submerged heritage.
- Historical Role of
the UAW
- Since
its inception in the 1980s, the UAW has played a pivotal role in India’s
underwater archaeological research.
- The
wing has been responsible for several significant explorations and
findings in various regions of India, contributing to the understanding
of submerged heritage.
- Previous Underwater
Archaeological Research
- The
UAW has conducted numerous offshore explorations across different Indian
locations, including:
- Bangaram
Island
(Lakshadweep)
- Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu)
- Loktak
Lake
(Manipur)
- Elephanta
Island
(Maharashtra)
- These
explorations have contributed to uncovering submerged relics, sculptures,
and artifacts that hold immense archaeological and historical value.
Collaborations
and Past Discoveries
- Collaborations with
Indian Navy and Government Agencies
- ASI
has collaborated with the Indian Navy and various other government
organizations to ensure the protection and study of India’s underwater
heritage.
- These
collaborations have played a key role in safeguarding the submerged
cultural resources, especially in coastal and underwater areas.
- Excavations in
Dwarka (2005–2007)
- Between
2005 and 2007, ASI conducted both offshore and onshore excavations in
Dwarka, a city known for its association with ancient Indian mythology
and Lord Krishna.
- These
excavations, carried out during low tide, led to the discovery of
important relics, including sculptures and stone anchors, which further
strengthened the case for the historical and cultural significance of the
submerged Dwarka.
- Foundation for
Subsequent Research
- The
discoveries made during the 2005–2007 excavations, including the
sculptures and stone anchors, laid the foundation for further underwater
research and exploration in the region.
- These
findings have guided the current investigations and are expected to yield
more insights into the submerged structures and artifacts found in
Dwarka.
Preserving
India’s Submerged Heritage
- Crucial Role of
Ongoing Investigations
- The
ongoing research in Dwarka is considered vital for ASI’s mission to
explore, protect, and preserve India’s submerged cultural heritage.
- The investigations
are focused on studying the submerged structures, which are believed to
hold historical, cultural, and archaeological significance, shedding
light on ancient civilizations and their maritime activities.
- Potential Insights
into Historical and Cultural Importance
- The
research is expected to provide crucial insights into the historical and
cultural relevance of the submerged structures around Dwarka.
- These
findings may help better understand the connection between ancient Indian
civilizations and the sea, especially in terms of trade, maritime
practices, and cultural exchanges.
- Global Significance
of the Project
- The
preservation of submerged heritage is not only important for India but
also for the global archaeological community.
- The
study of submerged cities and structures offers a unique window into the
past, providing a deeper understanding of the civilizations that once
flourished in these regions.
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/dwarka-coast-in-gujarat-what-is-asis-driving-underwater-exercise-to-understand-ancient-city-in-a-better-way-9869000/