Underwater Cultural Heritage: ASI Exploration and Budget Allocation
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Culture informed Rajya Sabha about ongoing underwater archaeological research by ASI at Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Mahabalipuram, and Karaikal. Budget details for 2025-27 and sites identified for exploration by 2030 were also shared.
Background
Underwater archaeology in India involves studying submerged sites to uncover historical and cultural heritage. ASI's Underwater Archaeology Wing leads such efforts, with licensed agencies like Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department and National Institute of Oceanography.
Key facts
ASI's Underwater Archaeology Wing is conducting research at Dwarka, Bet Dwarka (Gujarat), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), and Karaikal (Puducherry).
Government has licensed Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department for underwater excavation at Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu).
National Institute of Oceanography's Centre for Marine Archaeology is licensed for excavation at Bet Dwarka, Chhari, and Gangata Bet (Gujarat).
Budget for ASI's Underwater Archaeology Wing: 2025-26: ₹75.40 lakh allocated, ₹74.91 lakh spent; 2026-27: ₹66.50 lakh allocated, ₹25.63 lakh spent.
Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department allocated ₹7 crore for land and underwater excavations.
National Institute of Oceanography allocated ₹20 lakh budget.
ASI has launched a special program to train archaeologists and survey submerged sites.
Sites identified for underwater exploration/excavation by 2030: Dwarka, Bet Dwarka (Gujarat), Vijaydurg (Maharashtra), Janjira (Maharashtra), Karaikal (Puducherry), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu).
Prelims pointers
- Underwater Archaeology Wing of ASI
- Dwarka and Bet Dwarka (Gujarat)
- Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu)
- Karaikal (Puducherry)
- Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu)
- Vijaydurg and Janjira (Maharashtra)
- National Institute of Oceanography (Goa)
- Centre for Marine Archaeology
- Budget 2025-27 for underwater archaeology
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of underwater cultural heritage for India's history and tourism.
- Evaluate the role of ASI and other agencies in preserving submerged heritage.
- Examine the challenges in underwater archaeology and the need for skilled manpower.