ASI’s 'Underwater Archaeology Wing' Launches Explorations In Dwarka Waters—What You Need To Know

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a new underwater exploration off the coast of Dwarka.

The expedition team, led by Professor Alok Tripathi, Additional Director-General (Archaeology), comprises H K Nayak, Dr Aparajita Sharma, Poonam Vind, and Rajkumari Barbina, with investigations commencing near Gomati Creek.

This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time ASI has deployed a team with a strong female representation for underwater archaeological research.

This underwater exploration is part of the renewed Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of ASI, which has recently been revived to undertake offshore surveys and investigations in Dwarka and Bet Dwarka (Gujarat).

The UAW has been at the forefront of underwater archaeological research since the 1980s.

Since 2001, the wing is conducting explorations at sites such as Bangaram Island (Lakshadweep), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Dwarka (Gujarat), Loktak Lake (Manipur), and Elephanta Island (Maharashtra).

Archaeologists of UAW have also collaborated with the Indian Navy (IN) and other government organizations for the study and protection of underwater cultural heritage.

Between 2005 and 2007, ASI carried out offshore and onshore excavations in Dwarka, unearthing sculptures and stone anchors that provided valuable insights into the region’s submerged past.

The current exploration seeks to expand upon these discoveries, reinforcing efforts to document and protect India’s extensive underwater archaeological legacy.

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