After twenty years, ASI resumes underwater archaeological research off Mahabalipuram

The Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has resumed underwater archaeological research on submerged stays off the Mahabalipuram coast.

The train is in continuation of the sooner research achieved about twenty years in the past. The UAW had undertaken archaeological research on the Mahabalipuram coast in 2001 and subsequently, systematic excavations had been carried out in 2004-05, which concerned diving operations and surveys. The investigations had supplied proof of submerged constructions.

Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is understood for its rock-cut monuments, temples, and sculptures of the Pallava interval (Seventh-Eighth century CE). Beyond its monumental structure on land, the positioning has lengthy been related to historic accounts and legends of submerged constructions mendacity beneath the ocean.

The UAW has launched a brand new part of fieldwork at Mahabalipuram, constructing on the sooner discoveries. The staff is supplied with a newly acquired Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) which might seize high-resolution imagery and video documentation of submerged stays with out inflicting bodily disturbance. The use of ROV not solely permits exploration of deeper and more difficult marine environments but additionally enhances security and precision in underwater analysis.

The train started just a few days in the past and the ASI staff comprised, Alok Tripathi, Additional Director General, Aprajita Sharma, Head of Underwater Archaeology Wing, P.T.Nagarajan, Assistant Epigraphist, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Senior Photographer, and assisted by archaeologists of ASI’s Chennai Circle.

In a publish on X, the ASI stated that the UAW is “exploring the submerged stays off Mahabalipuram coast to resolve the riddle of the traditional previous constructed in the course of the 7-Eighth century Pallava dynasty which served as a landmark to the sailors for lots of of years.”

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a publish on X, stated that the staff was being guided by a girl diver-archaeologist. “Proud of the UAW, out within the waters off Mahabalipuram bringing to gentle its hidden tales… Thanks to their dedication, the treasures beneath the waves will probably be cared for, identical to the monuments that rise on the shore – for generations to find and cherish,” he stated.

The first underwater exploration at Mahabalipuram in 2001 was carried out across the space to the east of the shore temple. Further investigation was carried out in 2004-05 to the north of Shore temple. Systematic examine to the north of Mahisasura rock dropped at gentle submerged stays of “archaeological curiosity” together with three partitions and a lot of carved architectural members belonging to historical temples, ASI officers stated.