Context :The 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.
Relevance : GS 3 (Research and Development)
- A nine-member team from the Underwater Archaeology Wing is engaged in both onshore and offshore expeditions at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka.
- The goal is to identify, document, and analyze submerged archaeological remains, with a particular focus on establishing their age through scientific methods like sediment and marine deposit analysis.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Dwarka:
- Dwarka is deeply linked to ancient Indian literature, and its historical and cultural importance has long attracted the attention of historians and archaeologists.
- The city of Dwarka is believed to be associated with Lord Krishna, with Beyt Dwarka, an island off the Gujarat coast, housing the Dwarkadhish Temple.
Recent Fieldwork and Investigations:
- A 5-member ASI team conducted preliminary investigations in February 2025, focusing on the Gomati Creek area, southeast of Dwarka.
- The goal was to assess previously explored sites, monitor their current condition, and identify new potential areas for further exploration.
- Key archaeological features were documented through photography for future studies.
Previous Archaeological Findings (2005-2007):
- Between 2005 and 2007, the Underwater Archaeology Wing conducted systematic investigations both onshore and offshore, revealing several significant archaeological findings.
- Items discovered included ancient sculptures, stone anchors, and other objects of historical value, which were indicative of the site’s past significance.
- The archaeological efforts involved scientific surveys of large areas and targeted underwater excavations conducted by ASI archaeologists and Navy divers.
- Submerged remains were cleaned and studied, with excavations revealing clusters of submerged objects, and areas with thick calcareous deposits were carefully analyzed.
Specific Excavation near Dwarkadhish Temple (2007):
- A focused excavation was conducted near the northern gate of the Dwarkadhish Temple in 2007.
- The excavation uncovered a 10-meter deep deposit containing 26 layers, revealing a variety of antiquities, including iron objects, beads, copper items, rings, and pottery.
- The pottery and other artifacts were subjected to in-depth analysis to understand their historical context.
Expansion of Current Investigations:
- The new study aims to expand the scope of archaeological work in Okhamandal, an ancient city near Dwarka.
- The ASI team is exploring additional potential sites within the area to understand the broader historical context of Dwarka and its surroundings.
- The exploration involves both archaeological excavations and scientific studies, including diving operations, to collect and document artifacts.
Scientific and Archaeological Methods:
- The investigations combine traditional archaeological methods with modern scientific techniques, such as diving and sediment analysis, to enhance the understanding of the artifacts’ age and historical significance.
- The study will focus on collecting a wide range of archaeological remains, ensuring that these are properly documented, studied, and scientifically analyzed.
Conclusion and Future Prospects:
- The ASI’s ongoing research at Dwarka aims to provide new insights into the city’s ancient past, contributing significantly to the understanding of India’s cultural history.
- The expanded investigations will help clarify the role of Dwarka in ancient civilization, exploring its connection to mythology, history, and archaeology.
