One of the seven holy pilgrimage centres in India, the city of Dwaraka is not only of religious importance. The city’s ancient incarnation, referred to in the epic Mahabharata as the ancient kingdom of Krishna, was spread across almost 84km as a fortified city where the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea meet. According to the text, the ancient city was sunk beneath the Arabian Sea upon Krishna’s death.
In the second half of the century, archaeologists made attempts to find physical evidence of the sunken city off the coast of the modern-day Dwaraka so they could prove its existence beyond doubt. As a result, many artefacts have been discovered underwater, such as stone blocks and pillars; however, the exact age of these findings is still being debated. Now, archaeologists are planning an underwater dig to look for the foundations of the ancient city walls. If they find the exact location of the settlement, it’ll be of tremendous significance to India.
The excavation process
In 2001, researchers from the National Institute of Oceanography announced the discovery of ruins of a complex underwater city off the coast of north-west India. The structure consists of an elaborate and highly sophisticated system of buildings with roads and drainage systems, and even a submerged seaport, that covers an area several hectares in size.
Scientists and archaeologists deduced that it is the lost city of Dwaraka, submerged since the flooding of the last ice age, and a place referred to in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. The findings and subsequent excavations of the main temple at Dwaraka, on shore, indicate that an ancient, highly evolved civilization existed in the area, long before historians had previously thought possible.
Researcher S R Rao from the National Institute of Oceanography has worked on excavations in the Dwaraka region for well over a decade and is an authority on the subject. Underneath the sublime multi-storeyed structure of the modern Jagannath Mandir temple, he discovered it had been built directly on 7 others, layer upon layer that lie underground, each having been buried sequentially over time.
This discovery, along with work published by Firestone, Kak, and Frewley called in search of the cradle of civilization, has pushed the origins of Hindu texts back to 7500 BCE and helped to debunk myths such as the Aryan invasion theory, an invention of colonialists to create a divide-and-rule policy in India. Historians and archaeologists now know, there was no invasion of India and that aryans and non Aryans alike are the indigenous people. India has an ancient cultural tradition that remains unbroken for over 10,000 years to be modern day, something that colonialists could not stomach. The knowledge and contributions Hinduism holds are of significance to humanity, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
Fascinating facts about the lost city
The lost city has a connection with mythology
Dwaraka, the city of lord Krishna
Long celebrated in Hindu scriptures like the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad o Purana. Dwaraka is revered as the ancient city built by lord Krishna. The legend tells of a resplendent city, once a vibrant hub of culture and spirituality, which ultimately succumbed to the forces of nature. Though enveloped by the tides of time, the myth of
Krishna’s city persists, captivating the hearts and minds of both believers and historians alike.
Myth meets reality
Inspired by these age-old legends, archaeologists have embarked on underwater expeditions to investigate the submerged ruins of Dwaraka. Remarkable findings, such as remnants of well-planned urban layouts and intriguing artifacts, have begun to mirror the ancient descriptions.
Dwaraka as ancient trade hub
Dwaraka narrative is deeply embedded in India’s cultural and historical identity. The city has been mentioned in ancient texts and continues to be the focal point of modern archaeological research. It’s an ongoing exploration by the Archaeological Survey of India has solidified its status as a site of immense historical and cultural importance.
Underwater exploration techniques
Delving into the watery depths, modern marine archaeology employs state-of-the-art technologies like sonar mapping and advanced diving expeditions to study Dwaraka’s lost structures.
Ancient texts refer to Dwaraka as a city of gold, illuminating its legendary wealth.
The evidence of advanced urban planning is visible in intricate drainage systems and well-laid-out streets.
Theories behind Dwaraka’s submersion
Scholars and scientists have proposed several theories regarding the submersion of Dwaraka. Some argue that tectonic shifts and natural disasters, combined with rising sea levels, contributed to the city’s downfall. These scientific perspectives, after being harmonized with traditional accounts, fuel further fascination around the lost city.
Is Dwaraka the real Atlantis?
Dwaraka has some specific features and similarities. It is no wonder that historians and archaeologists believe that this mythical city is real, as per archaeological evidence. Even proponents of alternate history, like Graham Hancock, have spent time researching and deep-sea diving into the spot where Dwaraka is supposed to have sunk. Even the famous world explorer Josh Gates has undertaken an expedition to find out the legend of Dwaraka. There has been an unsaid conflict of opinion as to the origins and location of the real Atlantis for so many centuries and decades. Whatever the truth may be, it will never be clear unless more proof and evidence can be found.
The mystery of Dwaraka and Atlantis still is an enduring enigma and a baffling mystery to all of us till then.
The finding of our lost city Dwaraka is of significance not only for Indians, but for people everywhere, because it provides evidence that our common ancestors might have belonged to cultures much more advanced than previously recognised, considering English, like many other Indo-European languages that have evolved from the Indian Sanskrit it points to a common connection, somewhere in the past.
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