India’s Underwater Cultural Heritage: New Archaeological Initiatives
Source: PIB
GS I: Indian Heritage and Culture
Overview
- India has intensified efforts to explore, document, and conserve its underwater cultural heritage, recognising submerged archaeological sites as valuable evidence of the country’s maritime history and ancient civilisations.
- Through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), state archaeology departments, and scientific institutions, the Government is expanding underwater research, strengthening institutional capacity, and identifying priority exploration sites up to 2030.
- These initiatives aim to preserve India’s submerged heritage, promote archaeological research, and enhance understanding of historical trade networks and coastal settlements.
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Culture informed Parliament about ongoing underwater archaeological research and exploration at key submerged heritage sites across India.
News in Brief
- The Government has granted new licences for underwater excavation and exploration to specialised institutions.
- Budget allocations and capacity-building initiatives for underwater archaeology were highlighted.
- A roadmap identifying major underwater exploration sites up to 2030 was announced.
Key Highlights
Ongoing Projects and Licenses
- ASI Exploration Sites- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is actively exploring underwater cultural heritage sites at Dwarka and Bet Dwarka in Gujarat, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, and Karaikal in Puducherry to discover and protect India’s submerged history.
- Poompuhar Project- The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology holds a license for underwater work at Poompuhar and has set aside ₹7 crores for land and sea digs.
- NIO Operations- The National Institute of Oceanography is licensed for work at Bet Dwarka, Chhari, and Gangata Bet.
Funding and Training
- Budgets– The Union Government has allocated funds for underwater archaeology, while Tamil Nadu and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) have also earmarked financial support for these marine exploration activities.
- Capacity Building- The ASI has started specialized training programs to build local expertise in underwater surveying.
The following sites have been identified for underwater exploration/excavation up to 2030,
| State/UT | Site | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Dwarka & Bet Dwarka | Associated with ancient maritime trade and submerged archaeological remains. |
| Maharashtra | Vijay Durg | Historic coastal fort with rich maritime heritage. |
| Maharashtra | Janjira | Island fort known for its naval and strategic importance. |
| Puducherry | Karaikal | Coastal region identified for underwater archaeological exploration. |
| Tamil Nadu | Mahabalipuram | Ancient Pallava port city with submerged structural remains and maritime heritage. |
Significance and Challenges
- Preserves India’s maritime history and cultural legacy.
- Provides evidence of ancient trade networks and coastal civilisations.
- Supports heritage tourism and scientific research.
- Strengthens conservation of submerged archaeological resources.
Challenges
- High cost and technological complexity of underwater excavation.
- Natural deterioration due to marine conditions.
- Looting and illegal salvage of artefacts.
- Limited trained marine archaeologists and specialised equipment.
About Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH)
- Comprises all traces of human existence with a cultural, historical, or archaeological character that have been partially or totally under water (in oceans, seas, lakes, or rivers) continuously or periodically for at least 100 years.
Key Categories of UCH
- Submerged Settlements- Ancient cities, ports, and dwellings lost to rising sea levels or tectonic shifts (e.g., Mahabalipuram and Dwarka in India, or Heracleion in Egypt).
- Shipwrecks and Aircraft- Vessels and planes resting on seabeds, often containing cargo, personal items, and structural data about maritime trade and naval warfare.
- Prehistoric Sites- Landscapes and artifacts from early human migrations preserved under water before modern shorelines formed.
Threats to Underwater Heritage
- Illegal removal of artefacts- Looting and treasure hunting damage underwater heritage sites and destroy valuable historical evidence.
- Environmental Pressures- Climate change, severe coastal erosion, rising sea temperatures, and industrial pollution accelerate the decay of submerged materials.
- Marine Infrastructure- Dredging, anchoring, and coastal construction physically disrupt delicate seabed sites.
Preservation and Management
- UNESCO 2001 Convention- Provides the primary international legal framework to protect UCH, prioritizing in situ (on-site) preservation and preventing commercial exploitation.
- National Operations- Agencies like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) run active underwater exploration and excavation wings targeting historical coastal zones.
Key Takeaways
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
With reference to the recent initiatives on Underwater Cultural Heritage in India, consider the following statements:
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is currently undertaking underwater archaeological research at Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Mahabalipuram, and Karaikal.
- The Government has granted the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology a licence for underwater exploration at Poompuhar.
- Vijay Durg and Janjira have been identified as priority sites for underwater exploration up to 2030.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Mains Practice Question
Q. “India’s underwater cultural heritage is an important component of its civilisational and maritime legacy. Discuss its significance, challenges, and the measures required for its conservation.” (150 words)
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