Established in 2001, the UAW has explored at least 11 sites in the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, Ariyankuppam River and Loktak Lake in Manipur. In collaboration with the Indian Navy, it has also excavated the wreck of a ship, Princess Royal, in the Lakshadweep waters in 2003.The ASI now plans to conduct more underwater archaeological research in different states in collaboration with other institutions.Officials said, “We are going to Maharashtra next month to negotiate with the government regarding the underwater archaelogical sites in the state. We will also work with the port authorities on all coastal sites.If our expertise is needed, we will advise them on retrieving of antiquities.”If the negotiations with Maharashtra are successful, the ASI will begin explorations in the Arabian Sea region at significant heritage sites such as the Sindhu, Durga, and Janjira forts. “We hope that underwater archaeology will become interesting in India. We have started the process and will continue it,” officials added.
Source link
