May 19, 2001

‘13’

MAJOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY IN GULF OF CAMBAY

    The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), while carrying out multi-disciplinary underwater surveys located archaeological sites in the Gulf of Cambay. The survey picked up images of several excellent geometric objects which are normally man-made. In fact, for almost 9 kilometers of a stretch west of Hazira in Gujarat, the area is seen to be lined with well laid house basement like features partially covered by sand waves and sand ripples at 30-40 m water depth. At many places, channel like features are also seen indicating the possible existence of a proper drainage in the area. The acoustic images point to the existence of some Harappan-like ruins below the sea bed. Structures appearing to be tanks of sizes

    40 X 40 meters and 45 X 20 meters with steps were seen. Further, groups of constructions in an area of approximately 97 m X 24 m showing resemblance to ‘Acropolis’ could also be made out. Other structures of 73 m X 53 m size and 44 m X 19 m could also be picked up through the specialised equipment. All these indicate the existence of a civilization in the ancient past.

    This is for the first time that such sites have been reported in the Gulf of Cambay. It is definitely a very exciting discovery and raises many questions. In particular, how these structures could have been submerged is an object of study. These need to be investigated in greater detail. Additional corroboration through the latest underwater equipment will also need to be taken up. The Minister for Human Resources Development, Science & Technology and Ocean Development, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi explained these findings and released some typical underwater acoustic images of the archaeological sites here today. Dr. Harsh K.Gupta, Secretary, Department of Ocean Development and Prof. M. Ravindran, Director, NIOT, Chennai, who were also present, stated that further studies will be taken up.