ASI Unveils Underwater Investigation of the Ancient Lost City of Dwarka
Gujarat: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a significant underwater investigation off the coast of Dwarka, Gujarat, to uncover the mysteries of the submerged city, which is linked with Hindu mythology and believed to be over 4,000 years old. This ambitious exploration marks a major milestone in ASI’s ongoing efforts to protect India’s rich underwater cultural heritage.
Finding History in Dwarka waters!
A five-member ASI team, led by Prof. Alok Tripathi and assisted by Sh H. A. Naik and Dr. Aparajita Sharma, has begun underwater explorations off Dwarka, marking a milestone in maritime archaeology studies in India. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/WHSIVsJwC6
— Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) February 18, 2025
The mission, spearheaded by ASI’s Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW), officially began on Tuesday, focusing on the submerged city of Dwarka, an ancient metropolis said to be founded by Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, Dwarka was submerged into the Arabian Sea after Krishna’s departure from Earth, symbolizing the start of the Kali Yuga. This city, if found, could provide invaluable insights into ancient civilization, culture, and religious history.
A Team of Experts for a Groundbreaking Mission
The exploration is being led by Professor Alok Tripathi, Additional Director-General of Archaeology at ASI, along with an expert team of archaeologists, including HK Nayak, Dr. Aparajita Sharma, Poonam Vind, and Rajkumari Barbina. The team brings a significant element to the mission: for the first time in ASI’s history, a team with a substantial number of female archaeologists is participating in underwater investigations, reflecting a progressive shift in the field.
As stated by ASI, this is the largest team of archaeologists ever to actively engage in underwater exploration as part of a mission. “The diversity and expertise in this team demonstrate ASI’s commitment to fostering inclusive and innovative archaeological research,” said an ASI representative.
Revisiting Past Discoveries: Uncovering Ancient Artifacts
The underwater excavation initiative comes nearly two decades after the last major excavation in the area, which took place between 2005 and 2007. During that period, the ASI’s UAW discovered significant artifacts such as sculptures, stone anchors, and other materials, suggesting that the submerged site could be an ancient city.
The current mission aims to expand on those findings using advanced technologies to map and document submerged heritage sites comprehensively. The ASI intends to explore deeper into the area where sculptures and anchors were previously found, employing modern technology to better understand the city’s ancient foundations and its historic significance.
According to the ASI’s statement, coastal regions were examined during low tide, revealing stone sculptures and anchors, which led to the decision for further underwater excavations. The goal is not just to uncover physical artifacts but also to better understand the city’s layout and its connection to ancient civilizations.
A Long History of Underwater Exploration
This ongoing investigation is just the latest in a series of underwater explorations conducted by ASI since 2001. Over the years, the Underwater Archaeology Wing has conducted several prominent excavations at notable sites such as Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, Loktak Lake in Manipur, and Elephanta Island in Maharashtra. These past expeditions have contributed significantly to the understanding of India’s rich underwater heritage.
ASI’s comprehensive underwater archaeological work demonstrates the organization’s commitment to preserving India’s submerged cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of such investigations in shedding light on civilizations long lost to the depths.
Dwarka’s Mythological and Historical Significance
The submerged city of Dwarka holds immense significance not only from an archaeological perspective but also in the context of Hindu mythology. According to ancient texts, Dwarka was a flourishing city that Lord Krishna established, and it was said to be a hub of spiritual, cultural, and economic activity.
The mythological account claims that Dwarka was submerged after Lord Krishna’s death, marking the start of the Kali Yuga. This event has been described in numerous ancient scriptures, including the Mahabharata, where it is said that the city sank into the sea, leaving behind only its ruins submerged beneath the waters of the Arabian Sea.
Despite the absence of concrete evidence linking the submerged ruins to Lord Krishna’s Dwarka, the city continues to hold cultural importance for millions of Hindus, who view it as a sacred and historical site. As a result, the ASI’s ongoing investigation is expected to attract significant attention, both from archaeologists and religious scholars.
The Future of Dwarka’s Underwater Exploration
The underwater investigations conducted by the ASI team are still in their early stages, but the initiative is already generating considerable excitement. The findings could not only provide a better understanding of the lost city of Dwarka but could also reveal new information about the ancient maritime practices and technologies of the time.
If successful, the investigation may lead to the discovery of more artifacts, architectural structures, and evidence of ancient civilizations that could significantly impact the study of India’s ancient history. ASI’s careful approach to the project ensures that these discoveries are preserved for future generations, with modern technologies used to ensure the integrity of the sites.