Marine Archaeological explorations Off Dwarka Bet 
               Dwarka and Aramda A report of 1998 exploration

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Sundaresh, A.S. Gaur, P Gudigar, Sila Tripati, K.H. Vora and 
                               S.N. Bandodker 
        Marine Archaeology Centre, National Institute of Oceanography 
                          Dona Paula, Goa - 403 004

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The Marine Archaeology Centre of National Institute of Oceanography, Goa has been carrying out underwater explorations off Dwarka regularly. During 1998 field season an extensive lateral visual exploration was carried out, the
most important findings of the present investigation include a large number
of stone anchors which signify the volume of maritime activities at Dwarka
and adjacent areas since the early historical period. 

Detailed onshore archaeological explorations were carried out at Aramda,
Kutchchigadi, Dwarka, Okha river mouth, Sakkarkhada and Okhamadi areas
covering almost entire Okhamandal to locate the contemporary sites of
Dwarka, if any. 

Significant findings include a single-holed stone object and stone anchors
of triangular and prismatic shape and dressed stone blocks etc. Off Dwarka
explorations were carried out between 12 to 20m water depth, extending upto
about 2km offshore to confirm the extension and coverage of the ancient port
town. Diving was carried out at about 40 locations. Archaeological artefacts
were found upto 10-l5m water depth where a rocky ridge reported earlier
about l.5m high running parallel to the shore was re-examined. A few stone
anchors are also noticed near the ridge. 
The interesting findings from Bet Dwaraka include triangular, prismatic
stone anchors recovered for the first time, a single holed stone object and
iron cannons in the intertidal zone. Offshore explorations at the northern
and southern sides of the present Bet Dwarka jetty revealed triangular and
prismatic stone anchors made of locally available rocks indicating maritime
activity of the region. An early historical site was located near Khuda Dost
tomb, which gets submerged during high water indicating the sea level rise.
The southern and eastern coast of the Bet Dwarka island was also occupied by
the Harappan people (2000 B.C) 

At Armada, two stone anchors were found in the intertidal zone near the
present jetty. An old dockyard with stone rubble and mud walls were noticed
during low tide south of the present jetty. Three boat motifs on a hero
stone were also noticed on western side of the village. It reveals maritime
activity. 

In conclusion, it is possible to establish now, based on the findings of
1998 explorations, that Dwarka was a very active port during the ancient
period, The different shapes and sizes of anchors found at various places in
the vicinity of Dwarka indicate that various types of vessels visited the
Dwarka port. Several stone anchors in Bet Dwarka waters and at Armada
suggest that entire Okhamandal area played a vital role in maritime trade
and commerce: A few recent discoveries from the Indian coast revealed that
the grapnel stone anchors could been re used during Arab trade in 10-14
century AD. but need confirmation from Arabian ports.