Dwarka, often called Krishna’s karmabhoomi (land of action), stands as one of the most captivating subjects in Indian archaeology and marine exploration. This ancient city, believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna, has fascinated historians, archaeologists, and devotees alike. The exploration of Dwarka seeks to bridge the gap between mythology and history, offering insights into India’s ancient maritime culture and urban planning.

Dwarka

Mythological Significance

According to Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata, Harivamsa, and Puranas, Dwarka was a magnificent city built by Lord Krishna after he migrated from Mathura. Legends describe Dwarka as a thriving port and the capital of Krishna’s kingdom. The Mahabharata poetically describes Dwaraka as having 900,000 royal palaces constructed with crystal and silver and decorated with emeralds and connected by an elaborate system of boulevards, roads, market places, assembly houses, and temples. After Krishna’s departure from Earth, the city is believed to have been submerged by the sea, as foretold in the texts.

Archaeological Discoveries

Underwater excavations off the coast of modern-day Dwarka in Gujarat have revealed evidence of a 4,000-year-old settlement, aligning with the timeline of the Mahabharata era. These explorations, conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), have provided evidence of a well-planned ancient city, supporting the idea that Dwarka could have been a thriving port city.

Key discoveries include:

  • Structural Remains: Submerged structural remains have been found off the coast of Dwarka.
  • Seals: Seals of particular descriptions have been found on the seabed, matching descriptions in the Harivamsa, which says that there were seals without which one could not enter the city.
  • Pottery and Artefacts: Eroded debris and pottery have provided evidence of a port town destroyed by the sea about 3,500 years ago.
  • Triangular Anchors: Triangular three-holed anchors weighing 120-150 kg, similar to pre-Phoenician anchors found in Syria and Cyprus, have been dated to around 3500 years ago or 1500 BC.

Connecting Myth and Reality

The discoveries provide evidence of an ancient city that matches the descriptions of Dwarka in Hindu texts. In February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Dwarkadhish Temple and shared images of himself underwater, clad in scuba gear, as he explored and prayed in the legendary “lost city” of Lord Krishna, highlighting Dwarka’s connection to faith.

Ongoing Debate and Future Exploration

While the discoveries are compelling, some scholars argue that more evidence is needed to conclusively link the underwater ruins to the legendary Dwarka of Krishna. The findings, however, undeniably point to the existence of a sophisticated ancient settlement that thrived around 4,000 years ago. Ongoing and future explorations aim to uncover more evidence about the city’s layout, its connection to the Mahabharata, and its role in ancient maritime trade.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Dwarka is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, with the Dwarkadhish Temple being one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The underwater exploration has added to the city’s mystique, attracting both devotees and researchers from around the world.

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