Kolkata: More interesting facts about India’s rich cultural heritage are set to emerge with the Centre granting funds for research and underwater exploration activities at Dwarka and Bet Dwarka in Gujarat, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, and Karaikal in Puducherry.

Exploration at these sites is currently underway by the Underwater Archaeology Wing of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the government has informed Parliament.

Underwater exploration and excavation will also be undertaken at Vijay Durga and Janjira in Maharashtra by 2030.

Previous excavations at Bet Dwarka have revealed the remains of earthen pots and other artefacts from the Late Harappan period. A 580-meter-long protection wall dating back to 1,500 BCE was also found, believed to have submerged during a sea storm. A Late Harappan seal and other items from that period were also discovered.

Shipwrecks and stone anchors found during the excavations have pointed to trade relations with the Romans.

The Government of India has also granted a licence for underwater excavation and exploration at Poompuhar to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology. Poompuhar, the ancient Sangam-era capital and port city of the early Chola dynasty, now partly lies submerged due to tsunamis that may have occurred hundreds of years ago.

The Marine Archaeology Centre, National Institute of Oceanography, will continue its research at Bet Dwarka, Chhari, and Gangata Bet in Gujarat. The National Institute of Oceanography has a budgetary allocation of Rs 20 lakh.

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology has also earmarked Rs 7 crore for archaeological excavations on land as well as underwater.

The Underwater Archaeology Wing of the ASI has initiated a focused program to train archaeologists and conduct surveys of submerged sites.