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ASI Launches Underwater Study to Unearth Ancient Dwarka

Context

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated a comprehensive onshore and offshore archaeological expedition at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat to scientifically date and document submerged heritage linked to India's ancient cultural history.

About Dwarka

The submerged city of Dwarka is of great relevance to Hindus, and is believed to have been founded by Lord Krishna.
- After killing his uncle Kamsa, Krishna migrated from Mathura to Dwarka with his Yadava clan, and founded his kingdom here by reclaiming 12 yojanaland from the sea.
- Dwarka is considered Krishna’s karmabhoomi (land of action).
- As per the epic Mahabharata, this fortified city of Krishna spanned nearly 84 km and was situated at the confluence of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea.
- Dwarka is believed to be the first capital of Gujarat, and has been referred to as "Mokshapuri," "Dwarkamati," and "Dwarkavati".
Present-day Dwarka is a coastal town located at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch, facing the Arabian Sea.
The town is a part of the Krishna pilgrimage circuit, which includes Vrindavan, Mathura, Govardhan, Kurukshetra and Puri, and is home to the 13th-century Dwarkadheesh temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Fact Box:

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

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ASI Launches Underwater Study to Unearth Ancient Dwarka

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