The ancient coastal town of Dwarka in Gujarat, a site deeply entwined with the legends of Lord Krishna, is poised for a significant new chapter in archaeological exploration. Senior officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have confirmed plans for renewed and extensive excavations, both on land and beneath the waves of the Arabian Sea.
Modern Tech for Ancient Secrets: A Systematic New Phase
This proposed initiative aims to move beyond previous studies by deploying modern technology to investigate previously unexamined areas. The goal is to achieve a far deeper understanding of the region's historical and cultural legacy. The last major underwater archaeological work at Dwarka was conducted between 2005 and 2007, with limited exploratory studies resuming in 2025.
According to ASI officials, this upcoming phase will be more comprehensive and methodical. Alok Tripathi, Additional Director-General of ASI, revealed that the agency's Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) will target new zones at Beyt Dwarka and other unexplored underwater sites. "Dwarka has been under study for nearly 40 years, but the work so far has been limited in scope and objectives. We are now examining the other side of the mouth of the Gomti river," Tripathi stated.
Experts confirmed that advanced tools will enable larger and deeper excavations in the sea. Tripathi himself was part of the five-member UAW team that carried out underwater exploratory work at Dwarka in February last year. That mission gained national prominence when Prime Minister Narendra Modi dived off the Dwarka coast to view submerged remains on the seabed.
Focus Shifts to Beyt Dwarka's Forest and Settlement Signs
On land, the archaeological focus will shift to relatively undisturbed sections of Beyt Dwarka. Earlier excavations were primarily concentrated near the cliff area. "We are now going deeper inside the forest area, where we have observed signs of a significant settlement," explained Tripathi.
He emphasized the site's potential, noting that excavations at lower levels could unveil crucial details about settlement planning, economic activities, arts and crafts, and the daily life of its ancient inhabitants. The site's allure is magnified by the enduring legend of the sunken city of Dwarka, said to have been founded by Lord Krishna.
Past explorations have already yielded a wealth of antiquities, as listed on the ASI website, including:
- Terracotta objects
- Beads and fragmented bangles
- Copper rings and iron ingots
- Various types of pottery
Gujarat's Broader Archaeological Renaissance
The Dwarka project is part of a wider wave of archaeological activity in Gujarat. The ASI has also initiated fresh excavations at other key sites:
Valabhipur: The ancient capital located in the Bhavnagar district.
Lothal: The renowned Harappan-era site, famous for what is believed to be one of the world's oldest dockyards. With the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex nearby, archaeologists are using advanced techniques to expose a larger area of Lothal.
Tripathi highlighted that modern archaeology extends beyond mere digging. "Our task is to place findings in perspective and fill gaps in historical understanding," he said, adding that India's use of technology in the field is now on par with global standards and increasingly employs interdisciplinary approaches.
Gujarat's archaeological landscape has been exceptionally active over the past decade. Major ASI-led excavations at Vadnagar in Mehsana district—the hometown of PM Modi—uncovered evidence of continuous habitation spanning two millennia. The state also boasts major Harappan sites like Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Lothal, underscoring Gujarat's rich and layered historical heritage.
