Aspects of Maritime History of Maharashtra and Prospects for Marine Archaeological

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Sila Tripati
Marine Archeology Centre
National Institute of Oceanography
Dona Paula, Goa-403 004 - India

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Maharashtra one of the oldest maritime states of India with 720 km long
coastline had 48 both major and minor ports that flourished during different
periods of history. Some of the important ports were Sopara, Gharapuri
(Elephanta Island), Chaul, Dabhol, Kalyan, Vijaydurg and Malwan (Malvan).
These ports had trade contacts with Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece and other
countries since 1500 BC. 

Recent explorations at Sopara, Gharapud and Chaul have brought to light
early historical pottery coins and structural remains. Stone anchors of
historical period have been found at Malvan and Vijaydurg. Based on these
results, there emerges a need for comprehensive marine archaeological
studies in Maharashtra that can bring out evidences of maritime activity of
the past. Keeping this in view a project proposal has been sent to the
Government of Maharashtra to carry out marine archaeological studies.