Dwarka explorations – HISTORY

Dwarka explorations – HISTORY

NEWS: he Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is undertaking new efforts to explore and study the submerged remains at Dwarka, Gujarat, a site of great cultural and historical significance.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Ongoing Archaeological Efforts at Dwarka

  • A nine-member team from the Underwater Archaeology Wing is engaged in onshore and offshore expeditions at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka.
  • The primary goal of these expeditions is to identify, document, and analyze submerged archaeological remains, with a particular emphasis on establishing their age through scientific methods, including sediment and marine deposit analysis.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Dwarka

  • Meaning: Dwarka literally means the “gateway to heaven” in Sanskrit, is derived from the famous Dwarkadhish Temple
  • Location: Dwarka town is located on the western shore of the Okhamandal Peninsula in the Indian state of Gujarat.
  • River: The city is placed on the right bank of the Gomti river at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch facing the Arabian Sea.
  • Antiquity: The city finds mention in the prehistoric epic period drama  of the Mahabharata.

It is also one of the seven most ancient religious cities (Sapta Puri) in India.

  • Legend: Hindu God Shree Krishna settled in Dwarka after defeating and killing his uncle Kansa at Mathura. 
  • Pilgrimage Centre: Dwarka is an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus with notable temples, including the Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Devi Temple, Gomti Ghat, and Bet Dwarka. 
  • The Dwarkadhish Temple:
    • Chardham: It is one of the four sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites called the Chardham founded by Adi Shankaracharya and dedicated to Shree Krishna.
    • Dwaraka Maţha: Also called Sharada Matha/Peeth is one of the four peethas established by Adi Shankaracharya.
  • Heritage Tourism:
    • Krishna Pilgrimage Circuit: Dwarka is part of the circuit along with other sites like, Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana, Gokul, Govardhan, Kurukshetra and Puri.
    • Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme: It is one of 12 heritage cities across the country selected under the HRIDAY Scheme to develop civic infrastructure.

 

Recent Fieldwork and Investigations

  • In February 2025, a 5-member ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) team conducted preliminary investigations in the Gomati Creek area, situated southeast of Dwarka.
  • The purpose of this investigation was to assess previously explored sites, monitor their current condition, and identify new areas that could potentially be explored further.
  • Key archaeological features were documented through photography for future studies and analysis.

 

Previous Archaeological Findings (2005-2007)

  • Between 2005 and 2007, the Underwater Archaeology Wing carried out systematic investigations, both onshore and offshore, leading to several significant archaeological findings.
  • The findings included ancient sculptures, stone anchors, and other historical artifacts, which signaled the site’s past historical and cultural significance.
  • The archaeological investigations involved scientific surveys and targeted underwater excavations conducted by ASI archaeologists in collaboration with Navy divers.
  • Submerged remains were thoroughly cleaned and analyzed, revealing clusters of submerged objects and areas with thick calcareous deposits, which were carefully studied for further insights.

Specific Excavation Near Dwarkadhish Temple (2007)

  • A specific excavation was conducted near the northern gate of the Dwarkadhish Temple in 2007.
  • The excavation revealed a 10-meter deep deposit containing 26 layers of antiquities, providing a wealth of historical findings.
  • Among the items uncovered were iron objects, beads, copper items, rings, and pottery, each offering important insights into the material culture of the time.
  • The pottery and other artifacts were subjected to in-depth analysis to understand their historical context and relevance to the ancient city of Dwarka.

Expansion of Current Investigations

  • The ongoing research seeks to expand the scope of archaeological work in Okhamandal, an ancient city located near Dwarka, to provide a broader understanding of the region’s historical context.
  • The ASI team is exploring additional potential sites within the area to uncover more information about the role of Dwarka and its surrounding areas in ancient times.
  • The exploration combines both archaeological excavations and scientific studies, including diving operations to collect and document more artifacts.

Scientific and Archaeological Methods

  • The investigations adopt a combination of traditional archaeological methods and modern scientific techniques.
  • Methods such as diving and sediment analysis are used to enhance the understanding of the age and historical significance of the artifacts found.
  • The study focuses on the collection, documentation, and scientific analysis of a wide range of archaeological remains to gain deeper insights into Dwarka’s ancient past.

Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW)

  • Established in: 2001
  • The Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for:
    • conducting and overseeing underwater archaeological research
    • protecting India's underwater cultural heritage
    • regulating underwater activities
  • However, the Wing has been defunct for about a decade. 
  • India’s Untapped Underwater Cultural Heritage
  • India’s underwater cultural heritage remains largely unexplored despite its rich maritime history and vast coastline.
  • UNESCO’s 2001 Convention aims to protect underwater cultural heritage, but India has not ratified it yet.
  • In India, known shipwrecks like SS Rita (Goa) and MV Mars (Andaman) are used for recreational diving, with minimal research or protection.
  • Project Mausam (2014) was India’s first major initiative to promote maritime heritage but has failed to meet its objectives.
  • Key Submerged Temples and Cities
    • Poompuhar – The Lost Port of Tamilakam
    • Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) – Temples Beneath the Tides
    • Muziris – The Vanished Port of the Malabar Coast
    • Kuntalpur – Odisha’s Forgotten Maritime Hub
    • Vithalapur – Gujarat’s Sunken Shrine

 

Conclusion and Future Prospects

  • The ongoing research by the ASI is expected to provide new insights into Dwarka’s ancient history, significantly contributing to the understanding of India’s cultural heritage.
  • The expanded investigations will help clarify Dwarka’s role in ancient civilization, shedding light on its connections to mythology, history, and archaeology, offering a deeper perspective on the city’s cultural and historical significance.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/asi-seeks-to-shed-new-light-on-dwarka-through-underwater-expeditions-scientific-analysis-of-recovered-antiquities/article69449482.ece