The objectives of the ongoing underwater explorations off the coast of Dwarka and Bet Dwarka are to search, document, and study submerged archaeological remains besides imparting training to archaeologists.
It also aims to ascertain the antiquity of the recovered objects through scientific analysis of sediments, archaeological and marine deposits.
Dwarka is a town and a municipality in the Devbhoomi Dwarka district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is located on the western coast of the Okhamandal Peninsula, on the right bank of the Gomti River, at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch, facing the Arabian Sea.
Dwarka is an ancient city known for its mythological reminiscences of glory and grandeur. It is believed that the city was developed by Lord Krishna himself and he ruled here for several years. Devotees come here from all over the world to pay their respects to Lord Krishna.
Dwarka has also long captured the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and devotees alike. Reason being, the ancient city of Dwarka, which was created by the Hindu deity Krishna, was believed to have submerged under the Arabian Sea after Krishna’s heavenly departure.
Bet Dwarka or Shankhodhar is an inhabited island located at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch, 2 km from the town of Okha in Gujarat, India, and 25 km north of the city of Dwarka. From northeast to southwest, the island is 8 km long and has an average width of 2 km.
Geographically, it is said that Dwarka City is on the mainland while Bet Dwarka is on an island. Mythologically, Dwarka was where the ruling palace of Lord Krishna was while Bet Dwarka was the location of his presidential palace.
There are Scuba Diving Facilities in Dwarka. These facilities provide the necessary equipment, professional instructors, and guided diving excursions. Some popular dive centers offer certification courses , ensuring that divers have the skills and knowledge to safely explore the underwater wonders around Dwarka.
As per the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna established his Yaduvanshi kingdom in Dwarka between 3,500 and 5,000 years ago, and subsequently the city was submerged into the sea. The Hindu scriptures say that when Krishna left the Earth to join the spiritual world, the age of Kali began and Dwarka and its inhabitants were submerged by the sea.
The available archaeological evidence from onshore and offshore excavations confirms the existence of a city-state with a couple of satellite towns in 1500 BC” He considered it reasonable to conclude that this submerged city is the Dvaraka as described in the Mahabharata.
Different branches and field offices of the Archaeological Survey of India including the Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) are allotted the dedicated fund for archaeological research and fieldwork. The UAW also carries out different activities including fieldwork and research through the budget allocated during the financial year. Initially an amount of Rs.10 lakhs has been allotted for the current fieldwork.
The UAW carries out systematic archaeological exploration and investigations utilizing modern techniques including the remote sensing tools as per the need and requirement. The modern technology for diving, search and documentation is also being utilized in ongoing fieldwork.
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