Background information
Dwarka, one of the most important religious places for Hindus, has also attracted tourists from all over the world due to its fabulous architectural planning of the temple. It is situated on the extreme west coast of the Indian territory. The town has association with Lord Krishna who is believed to be the founder of this town by reclaiming 12 yojana land from the Sea (Vishnu Puran, 5.23.13). The town consisted of beautiful gardens, deep motes, several ponds and palaces (Vishnu Puran, 5.23.14). The glorious town of Dwarka was submerged by the sea just after the death of the Lord Krishna (Mahabharata, Mausalparva, 7.41-42). As Dwarka has the historical importance and association with the Mahabharata the site has attracted several archaeologists and historians besides scientists.
There have been several other claims for Dwarka in the Saurashtra such as Junagadh or Girinagara, Mula-Dwarka near Prabhash Patan and another Mula-Dwarka between Porbandar and Miyani. However, there has not been serious research conducted other than the Dwarka in Okhamandal region.
Previous land excavations
Two systematic excavations have been carried out two different respected organizations such as Deccan College Pune under the direction of H.D. Sankalia in 1963 and he dated the earliest settlement to 2nd century BC whereas the excavation undertaken by S.R. Rao from Archaeological Survey of India in 1979-80 suggested the date of earliest settlement to 14th century BC. However, there was no confirmation with absolute dating method for this period.
Underwater Findings
The underwater explorations in Dwarka waters yielded a large number of scattered stone structures which are well dressed and lying in 3 to 6 meter water depth. Though similar structures are also noticed in inter tidal zone of Dwarka during low tide. Along with these structures a large number of stone anchors have also been found. Based on detailed analysis of the finding it is suggested that these are the part of an ancient harbour. However, in absence of any absolute date from offshore region, it is difficult to assign any date to these structures.
Dwarka, one of the most important religious places for Hindus, has also attracted tourists from all over the world due to its fabulous architectural planning of the temple. It is situated on the extreme west coast of the Indian territory. The town has association with Lord Krishna who is believed to be the founder of this town by reclaiming 12 yojana land from the Sea (Vishnu Puran, 5.23.13). The town consisted of beautiful gardens, deep motes, several ponds and palaces (Vishnu Puran, 5.23.14). The glorious town of Dwarka was submerged by the sea just after the death of the Lord Krishna (Mahabharata, Mausalparva, 7.41-42). As Dwarka has the historical importance and association with the Mahabharata the site has attracted several archaeologists and historians besides scientists.
There have been several other claims for Dwarka in the Saurashtra such as Junagadh or Girinagara, Mula-Dwarka near Prabhash Patan and another Mula-Dwarka between Porbandar and Miyani. However, there has not been serious research conducted other than the Dwarka in Okhamandal region.
Previous land excavations
Two systematic excavations have been carried out two different respected organizations such as Deccan College Pune under the direction of H.D. Sankalia in 1963 and he dated the earliest settlement to 2nd century BC whereas the excavation undertaken by S.R. Rao from Archaeological Survey of India in 1979-80 suggested the date of earliest settlement to 14th century BC. However, there was no confirmation with absolute dating method for this period.
Underwater Findings
The underwater explorations in Dwarka waters yielded a large number of scattered stone structures which are well dressed and lying in 3 to 6 meter water depth. Though similar structures are also noticed in inter tidal zone of Dwarka during low tide. Along with these structures a large number of stone anchors have also been found. Based on detailed analysis of the finding it is suggested that these are the part of an ancient harbour. However, in absence of any absolute date from offshore region, it is difficult to assign any date to these structures.