India Expands Underwater Archaeological Mission to Preserve Ancient Maritime Heritage
By Antara Tripathy
Editor, IBG NEWS
New Delhi, July 30: India is intensifying efforts to uncover and preserve its submerged cultural heritage through a series of underwater archaeological explorations and scientific investigations across several historically significant coastal locations. The initiative, led by the Underwater Archaeology Wing of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), forms part of a broader national strategy to document ancient maritime settlements and safeguard the country’s underwater archaeological wealth.
The Ministry of Culture informed Parliament that research and exploration are currently being carried out at Dwarka and Bet Dwarka in Gujarat, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, and Karaikal in Puducherry. These sites are believed to hold valuable archaeological remains that could provide fresh insights into India’s ancient maritime history and coastal civilisations.
More Institutions Join Underwater Research
To strengthen underwater archaeological investigations, the Government has authorised additional institutions to undertake specialised excavation and exploration projects.
The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology has received permission to conduct underwater excavations at Poompuhar, an ancient port city closely associated with Tamil maritime history and Sangam-era literature.
Similarly, the Marine Archaeology Centre of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has been granted licences to undertake underwater explorations at Bet Dwarka, Chhari, and Gangata Bet in Gujarat, expanding scientific research into submerged heritage sites along India’s western coastline.
Continued Investment in Underwater Archaeology
The Government continues to allocate dedicated financial resources for underwater archaeological activities through the Archaeological Survey of India.
According to official figures:
| Financial Year | Budget Allocation | Expenditure (Till Date) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 | ₹75.40 lakh | ₹74.91 lakh |
| 2026–27 | ₹66.50 lakh | ₹25.64 lakh |
In addition to the Central Government’s funding:
- The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology has earmarked ₹7 crore for archaeological excavations, including both terrestrial and underwater projects.
- The National Institute of Oceanography has allocated ₹20 lakh to support marine archaeological research.
Strengthening Skills and Scientific Surveys
Recognising the specialised nature of underwater archaeology, the ASI’s Underwater Archaeology Wing has initiated a focused programme aimed at training archaeologists in advanced underwater exploration techniques.
The programme also includes systematic surveys of submerged archaeological sites, helping researchers document fragile cultural remains while improving India’s long-term capacity for marine archaeological conservation.
National Exploration Plan up to 2030
As part of its future roadmap, the Government has identified several important locations for underwater exploration and excavation through 2030.
The proposed sites include:
- Dwarka and Bet Dwarka (Gujarat)
- Vijay Durg (Maharashtra)
- Janjira (Maharashtra)
- Karaikal (Puducherry)
- Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu)
These locations represent some of India’s most historically significant maritime centres and are expected to provide valuable evidence about ancient trade routes, coastal settlements, navigation practices and cultural exchanges.
Preserving India’s Maritime Legacy
India possesses one of the world’s oldest maritime traditions, with coastal ports playing a crucial role in trade, commerce and cultural interaction for thousands of years. Archaeologists believe that systematic underwater investigations can reveal submerged structures, artefacts and historical evidence that remain hidden beneath the sea.
The ongoing programme seeks not only to recover archaeological evidence but also to preserve these underwater cultural resources using scientific documentation, conservation techniques and collaborative research involving national institutions.
The information regarding the Government’s ongoing underwater archaeology initiatives, funding and future exploration plans was shared by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
As India continues to invest in marine archaeology and heritage conservation, these initiatives are expected to deepen understanding of the country’s ancient maritime past while strengthening efforts to protect its submerged cultural legacy for future generations.
