Prelims – History of India and Current events of national importance.
Mains (GS I) – Indian Heritage and Culture.
Why in news?
The Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) Underwater Archaeology Wing has launched a new research expedition examining both onshore and offshore sites at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat.
- Present study – It is being conducted by a 9-member team of the Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of the ASI.
- Coverage – It includes both onshore and offshore expedition at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat
- It is planned to cover an expanded area in Okhamandal city in Gujarat.
- Focus areas
- Archaeological explorations
- Identification of potential sites and places
- Scientific study involving diving operations
- Search and collection of archaeological remains, their proper documentation and study
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Previous Studies
of Dwaraka
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Research & its Findings
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2025 Investigation at South of Gomati Creek
(eastern side of Dwarka)
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- Aims - Inspecting earlier explored areas and examine their present condition.
- To identify probable areas for further investigations and study.
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2005-07 Investigation
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- It included both offshore and onshore exploration.
- Findings – It revealed clusters of submerged remains.
- It includes ancient sculptures, stone anchors, and other objects of historical importance.
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2007 Excavation near Dwarkadhish Temple
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- Findings – A deposit of about 10 metres having 26 layers was excavated.
- Antiquities recovered includes iron objects, beads, copper objects, rings, etc.
- Besides, potteries recovered during the excavation were also examined and studied thoroughly.
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Quick Facts
- Dwaraka – It is located on the western tip of the Kathiawar Peninsula and is one of the 4 Char Dhams, India's holiest sites.
Char Dhams are considered the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in India they are Rameswaram, Puri, Dwarka, and Badrinath.
- Beyt Dwarka – It is an island off Gujarat's coast, believed to be Lord Krishna's ancient home.
- It is also known as Bet Shankhodhar due to its resemblance of Shankh shape.
- Dwarkadhish temple (Jagat Mandir)- It is located in Dwarka and is believed to have been established over 2500 years ago by Lord Krishna's great-grandson, Vajranabh.
- It is situated at the junction of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea.
- It was honored by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century Hindu theologian and philosopher.
- The original structure was destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1472 and rebuilt in the 15th-16th century.
In 2024 Prime Minister inaugurated Sudarshan Setu bridge which is the country's longest cable-stayed bridge of 2.32 km, on the Arabian sea connecting Beyt Dwarka island to mainland Okha in Dwarka district.
Reference
The Hindu| Dwarka Underwater Expeditions
