ASI reviving underwater division

ASI reviving underwater division

TOPIC: Art & Culture

Context- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is in the process of reviving its underwater archaeology wing that had become defunct over the years

• The standing committee highlighted the need for reviving underwater archaeological sites in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Odisha in its report.

Concept-

Underwater Archaeology:

• The underwater archaeology involves remains of submerged shipwrecks, ports and records of maritime activity from archaeological excavations.

What makes underwater archaeological explorations significant?

• India has a vast coastline of over 7,500 kilometres.
• Oceans are a treasure trove of the past records — climate, evolutionary changes of the underwater fauna, coastal lives, habitations, settlements and civilizations.
• Using such underwater exploration studies, scientists say that it is possible to trace numerous ship wreckages and remains from the past. Studies of ship wreckage, artifacts or remains could reveal a lot of information.

Has India undertaken underwater archaeological explorations?

• A part of Dwarka, along the coastal Gujarat, is underwater, confirming the sea-level rise.
• In the past, NIO had initiated studies to trace the missing shore temples of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.
• Presently, several ship wreckage studies, including the one off the Odisha coast, are going on.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham– the first Director-General of ASI.
  • Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
• Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc.