ASI Begins Groundbreaking Underwater Exploration Off Dwarka Coast, Led by Women Archaeologists

Dwarka: A team of five archaeologists from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), led by Prof. Alok Tripathi, Additional Director-General (Archaeology), has commenced groundbreaking underwater explorations off the coast of Dwarka, marking a significant advancement in the study of India’s rich underwater cultural heritage. The team is conducting initial investigations in an area near Gomati Creek, a site of historical importance.

The team comprises notable figures from ASI, including H.K. Nayak, Director (Excavations and Explorations), Dr. Aparajita Sharma, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist, Poonam Vind, and Rajkumari Barbina. This marks the first time in ASI’s history that such a significant number of women archaeologists are actively participating in underwater investigations, further strengthening the diversity and expertise of the team.

This underwater exploration is part of the revived Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of ASI, which has been reinvigorated to undertake offshore surveys and underwater investigations in key sites including Dwarka and Bet Dwarka (Gujarat). The UAW has been a leader in underwater archaeological research since the 1980s and has carried out significant explorations at various locations, including Bangaram Island (Lakshadweep), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Loktak Lake (Manipur), and Elephanta Island (Maharashtra).

Since 2001, the UAW has also collaborated with the Indian Navy (IN) and other government bodies to protect and study India’s underwater cultural heritage.

Earlier, the UAW had conducted offshore and onshore excavations at Dwarka from 2005 to 2007, where sculptures and stone anchors were discovered during low tide in the coastal areas. These findings provided crucial insights into the rich history of the region, prompting further underwater excavations to explore the submerged cultural remnants of Dwarka.

The current phase of underwater investigations is seen as a major step in ASI’s mission to safeguard India’s underwater cultural heritage. Prof. Tripathi emphasized the importance of preserving these submerged sites, which hold immense historical and cultural significance for India.

As the team delves into the mysteries of the deep, the ongoing research will not only uncover more about India’s maritime history but also contribute to global efforts to protect underwater cultural resources. The inclusion of women archaeologists in this mission highlights ASI’s commitment to inclusive research and diverse representation in archaeological fields.