Research Interests:
The Indian state of Odisha, with its long coastline facing the Bay of Bengal, extensive riverine network and convenient anchorages, has enjoyed a sustained maritime history. Nevertheless, the lack of archaeological excavation of ancient... more
The Indian state of Odisha, with its long coastline facing the Bay of Bengal, extensive riverine network and convenient anchorages, has enjoyed a sustained maritime history. Nevertheless, the lack of archaeological excavation of ancient watercraft has meant that evidence for water transport in Odisha has come from other sources. This article examines iconographical representations of watercraft found in temples across Odisha, as well as some from palm leaf manuscripts of the 18th and 19th centuries. The vessels depicted are both riverine and seagoing, and sport different types of planking and constructional features—some unique to Odisha. This iconography emphasises the intimate association between the royal families, deities and mariners of Odisha, and the important role that boats and ships traditionally have had in Odishan trade, transportation and warfare, and as a visual symbol of prestige. The traditional boats of Odisha are unique in design and style, but traditional boatbuilding in the region is declining due to rapid industrialisation and incorporation of modern materials. It is urgent, then, to document such craft and their depictions in ancient art, both for posterity and to aid in understanding and interpreting the rich maritime history of the region.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Geography and Archaeology
Research Interests:
Study of traditional boats has enhanced our knowledge on maritime past. Traditional boats are both river and sea-worthy. These boats have been used in rivers for transporting cargo to inland ports from ships anchored in the sea and have... more
Study of traditional boats has enhanced our knowledge on maritime past. Traditional boats are both river and sea-worthy. These boats have been used in rivers for transporting cargo to inland ports from ships anchored in the sea and have often been used in naval warfare. In this paper an attempt has been made to study the sewn plank boats of Goa, their building techniques and other features in order to understand their quality and engaged them in the past for inland river transport system.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Dwarka, one of the best-studied underwater sites in India, has commanded much attraction, also because the site is considered as one of the four Dhamas (sacred place for pilgrimage) of the Hindu religion. According to ancient Sanskrit... more
Dwarka, one of the best-studied underwater sites in India, has commanded much attraction, also because the site is considered as one of the four Dhamas (sacred place for pilgrimage) of the Hindu religion. According to ancient Sanskrit literature, the Lord Krishna founded the holy city of Dwarka, which subsequently got submerged under sea. Marine archaeological explorations off Dwarka have brought to light a large number of stone structures, which are semicircular, rectangular and square in shape in water depth ranging from inter tidal zone to 6 m. They are randomly scattered over a vast area. Besides these structures, a large number of varieties of stone anchors have been noticed along the structures as well as beyond 6 m water depth. These findings suggest that Dwarka was one of the most busy port centres during the past on the west coast of India. The comparative study of surrounding sites indicates that the date of the structures of Dwarka may be between Historical period and lat...
One of the greatest achievements of man is the invention of watercraft which has been used from the prehistoric period onwards. Over the centuries, varieties of watercraft were designed and developed. Timber was the main component... more
One of the greatest achievements of man is the invention of watercraft which has been used from the prehistoric period onwards. Over the centuries, varieties of watercraft were designed and developed. Timber was the main component required for construction of boats and ships since ancient times until it was replaced by iron or steel. Once the size and carrying capacity of vessels was enhanced and overseas trade became more frequent, superior quality of timber was used for building boats and ships which were seaworthy. Probably, the Ashtadhyayi of Panini (5th century BC) is the oldest Indian literary work mentioning the use of a variety of timbers. Timber species such as teak (Tectona grandis), sal (Shorea robusta), sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), benteak (Lagestroemia microcarpa), etc. were used in shipbuilding. Among these, teakwood has been termed as most valued on account of its noble qualities, specifically, long-term durability, higher strength and stiffness and absence of developme...
Research Interests:
DRS. ...
Research Interests:
In the maritime history of India, Orissa (ancient Kalinga) played a significant role in spreading Indian culture to other parts of the world, including Africa, Rome and Southeast Asia. Archaeologi-cal findings, explorations and... more
In the maritime history of India, Orissa (ancient Kalinga) played a significant role in spreading Indian culture to other parts of the world, including Africa, Rome and Southeast Asia. Archaeologi-cal findings, explorations and excavations at various sites, epigraphical and numismatic evidences of different periods, and literary records, enabled the reconstruction of the maritime history of Orissa. In this paper an attempt has been made to trace the nature of trade and cultural contacts between Orissa and other countries of the world from various sources. Besides attacks by neighbouring king-doms, and unsound economic condition, the geological processes like tectonic activities, sea level changes and sedimentation were also equally responsible for the decline of ports of Orissa. However, the maritime traditions are preserved in the cultural festivals of Orissa, which are celebrated as com-memorative traditions.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Goa, being situated along the Arabian Sea of India, is known for maritime activities and traditional boatbuilding throughout the history. Traditional folk songs of Goa frequently mention ‘Vodem ’ which denotes canoe. The recent discovery... more
Goa, being situated along the Arabian Sea of India, is known for maritime activities and traditional boatbuilding throughout the history. Traditional folk songs of Goa frequently mention ‘Vodem ’ which denotes canoe. The recent discovery of stone panels with boat (canoe) motives bears testimony to the fact that the people were aware of boatbuilding since ancient times. The present paper discusses on traditional boats of Goa. The Goa coast provides good evidence of various types of traditional boats such as dugouts, extended dugouts with and without outrigger and plank built boats. Most of these boats are distributed along the coast except small dugouts and plank built boats which are noticed along the rivers. The construction of traditional boats passes through various stages like seasoning of timber, cutting, bending, joining of planks, fastening, sewing, outside treatment, etc. ‘Kharvi’, the fishing community of Goa have been involved in fishing, boatbuilding and maintenance. The ...
Research Interests:
Onshore explorations were carried out in Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Aramda, Kachhigadhi, Okhamadi and Amrapura area. At Dwarka about 1.6 km2 area was explored between water depths of 1.5 to 20 m off Samudranarayan temple. Diving was carried out... more
Onshore explorations were carried out in Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Aramda, Kachhigadhi, Okhamadi and Amrapura area. At Dwarka about 1.6 km2 area was explored between water depths of 1.5 to 20 m off Samudranarayan temple. Diving was carried out at about 40 locations and 29 buoys were marked with the archaeological findings. Similarly underwater explorations were also undertaken in north and south of the present Bet Dwarka jetty at five different locations. Archaeological findings of the exploration in 1998 have been reported in this paper.
Research Interests:
period, new ports were established mostly along the coastal regions. The reasons attributed to abandoning inland ports are: (a) bigger ships which had to carry more cargo, (b) larger vessels could withstand the flow of current, (c)... more
period, new ports were established mostly along the coastal regions. The reasons attributed to abandoning inland ports are: (a) bigger ships which had to carry more cargo, (b) larger vessels could withstand the flow of current, (c) advancement in shipbuilding and navigation techniques, and (d) sediment deposition leading to navigational hazards. In the case of Goa, Chandrapura (Chandor) was the oldest inland port. During the later epoch, port activity shifted downstream to Gopakapatana, on the northern bank of the River Zuari. During the 15th century AD, Old Goa, on the bank of the Mandovi River, served as an important trade centre. Most modern port in Goa was built at Mormugao in 1885 in the Zuari estuary. This paper delineates the most likely cause for the decline of Gopakapatana, in particular, as a trade centre, from a geo-historical and oceanographic perspective. A detailed look into the evolution of the morphology of this river bank reveals rapid accretion that led to the form...
Research Interests:
Dwarka, an ancient harbour and an important religious centre of the Hindus, has played an important role in the history of maritime activities of Okham nadal region since the early historical period. Gomati creek, located at the eastern... more
Dwarka, an ancient harbour and an important religious centre of the Hindus, has played an important role in the history of maritime activities of Okham nadal region since the early historical period. Gomati creek, located at the eastern side of Dwarka, served as a safe harbour till the 19th century AD. Offshore explorations have brought to light a large number of stone structures which appear to be the remains of an ancient jetty. This hypothesis is supported also by the discovery of a large number of stone anchors of vari ous types in Dwarka waters. The typology of ancho rs has indicated that Dwarka was an important port since historical period. Maritime activities increased many folds during the medieval period. This flourishing port and religious capital is believed to have sub merged under the sea after the death of Lord Krishna. This paper highlights the results of the offshore explo rations carried out during the last two decades in the Dwarka waters. THE ancient city of Dwark...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Since prehistoric times, people have used some kind of watercraft to cross rivers, seas and oceans, reaching far-off places - and they most likely used stones as anchors. After several centuries, watercrafts changed dramatically, i.e.,... more
Since prehistoric times, people have used some kind of watercraft to cross rivers, seas and oceans, reaching far-off places - and they most likely used stones as anchors. After several centuries, watercrafts changed dramatically, i.e., construction changed from log to plank, plank to hull and from wood to steel; rowing and sailing were replaced by mechanical power; and carrying capacity increased. Similarly, anchors changed from stone to wood, from lead to iron and iron to steel. These aspects have been confirmed by evidence from various maritime archaeological investigations and shipwreck findings throughout the globe (Pulak 2005: 43; Tripati et al. 2014: 115-143; Curry 1999: 17-23; Wachsmann 1998: 255-293; Upham 1983: 3-25).
Research Interests:
Marine archaeological explorations have been carried out in and around Mul Dwarka (Kodinar) on the Saurshtra coast. The oldest remains are comparable with Harappan phase at Kanjetar and Kaj, both sites are situated close to the respective... more
Marine archaeological explorations have been carried out in and around Mul Dwarka (Kodinar) on the Saurshtra coast. The oldest remains are comparable with Harappan phase at Kanjetar and Kaj, both sites are situated close to the respective creeks which makes them potential sites for ancient ports or overseas trade centers. A few amphorae sherds have been found at Kaj, that suggest the site had trade contact with Roman world around the Christian era. A number of stone anchors have been found from Mul Dwarka, Chhara and Kanjetar, which are similar to those reported from Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Miyani, Visawada and Somnath. A medieval period site at Chhara is under destruction as it is directly expose to the open sea. This site has potential for understanding the sea level changes during the medieval period on the Saurashtra coast.
Research Interests:
It is well known that a number of ships have been wrecked off Goa, India, due to submerged rocks, reefs, sand-bars and storms. Marine and other related records kept in the Goa State Archives at Panaji and India House in Lisbon document... more
It is well known that a number of ships have been wrecked off Goa, India, due to submerged rocks, reefs, sand-bars and storms. Marine and other related records kept in the Goa State Archives at Panaji and India House in Lisbon document some of them. Marine archaeological explorations have been carried out in Sunchi Reef, Grande Island and Aguada waters since 1997 with the main objective to locate shipwrecks.
Research Interests:
Maritime archaeological explorations have been initiated in Goa waters since 1997 for locating port installations and shipwrecks both in coastal waters and riverbanks. Exploration off Sunchi reef in 3 to 6 m water depth brought to light a... more
Maritime archaeological explorations have been initiated in Goa waters since 1997 for locating port installations and shipwrecks both in coastal waters and riverbanks. Exploration off Sunchi reef in 3 to 6 m water depth brought to light a barrel of a hand gun, guns, Chinese ceramics, sherds of Martaban pottery (stone ware), elephant tusks and hippopotamus teeth, a number of dressed granite blocks, a cast iron cannon ball, lead pieces, copper vessel and strip, stone and clay bricks, pieces of glass bottles, etc. These findings suggest that the ship might have arrived from Portugal via African countries to Goa and grounded due to lack of knowledge of the topography of the area. Thermo-luminescence dating of Martaban pottery (stone ware), the radiocarbon dating of ivory and comparative study of the ‘Admiralty Pattern Long Shanked’ type of iron anchor indicate that the wreck could be dated to the early 17th century AD. The findings of Sunchi Reef show the evidence of the Indo-Portuguese...
Research Interests:
The history of Odisha, lying on the east coast of India, is well documented from the Stone Age onwards. The evidences suggest that the ports of Odisha had contacts with the Arabs, Mediterranean countries and South Asia, as well as... more
The history of Odisha, lying on the east coast of India, is well documented from the Stone Age onwards. The evidences suggest that the ports of Odisha had contacts with the Arabs, Mediterranean countries and South Asia, as well as Southeast Asian countries. Khalkattapatna, a medieval port located on the banks of River Kushabhadra was discovered by archaeological excavations which suggest that between the 13th and 15th centuries it flourished and had contacts with Arabia and China, in addition to other countries. During recent explorations, a number of terracotta ring wells, stamped pottery, Chinese and celadon ware sherds, bricks and brickbats, and terracotta beads were found on the riverbank and in the waters of River Kushabhadra because of erosion of the north bank of the river. Remote sensing images of this region from 1977 to 2014 were analysed to delineate the river mouth and its course. Google Earth images of 2003 and 2011 were also referred to for an understanding of the migr...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Abstract During recent archaeological explorations at Old Goa, west coast of India, twenty three Chinese porcelain shards of the Ming (Middle to late 16th century), Qing (17th century) and late Qing period (late 17th century) have been... more
Abstract During recent archaeological explorations at Old Goa, west coast of India, twenty three Chinese porcelain shards of the Ming (Middle to late 16th century), Qing (17th century) and late Qing period (late 17th century) have been recovered. In order to understand the nature and source of raw material and kilns, these shards were analysed for major elements with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), trace and rare earth elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The analysis suggests that porcelain shards are siliceous in nature (SiO 2 ~ 70%) and contain high Al 2 O 3 (21.6%), Rb (388 ppm) and Ba (160 ppm) but have low Sr (48 ppm). This composition suggests that the raw materials used for producing porcelain were silica, kaolinite and sericite which are characteristics of porcelains manufactured in Southern China. Comparatively, high Al 2 O 3 (kaolinite) content in porcelains of the Qing Dynasty suggest improvement of quality, particularly mechanical strength, of Jingdezhen porcelain. In general, major element composition, trace metals, total rare earth elements (∑ REE-67 ppm) and their chondrite - normalized pattern of the Ming, Qing and late Qing period are nearly similar and appear to be made of identical raw materials.
Research Interests:
Abstract: The recent underwater explorations on the Saurashtra coast, Gujarat, India between Miyani on the west and Porbandar on the east yielded the existence two ports at Visawada and Miyani. Both sites are situated along the creeks,... more
Abstract: The recent underwater explorations on the Saurashtra coast, Gujarat, India between Miyani on the west and Porbandar on the east yielded the existence two ports at Visawada and Miyani. Both sites are situated along the creeks, which would have served as an excellent natural harbour. The important antiquities include varieties of stone anchors, which are very similar to those reported from Dwarka and Bet Dwarka. The identification of ancient anchorage points between water depth of 5 and 15 m is another important aspect ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Abstract: Maritime archaeological explorations have been initiated in Goa waters for locating shipwrecks and port installations in coastal waters and riverbanks. Explorations have been carried out in Sunchi Reef, St George's Reef,... more
Abstract: Maritime archaeological explorations have been initiated in Goa waters for locating shipwrecks and port installations in coastal waters and riverbanks. Explorations have been carried out in Sunchi Reef, St George's Reef, Baga, Grande Island, Aguada waters and Gopakapattana. The explorations at Sunchi Reef have brought to light shipwreck remains of an early 17th century AD. The evidence suggests that the wreck belong to the Portuguese Period. The exploration off St George's Reef has revealed the remains of the 19th century ...
Abstract: Since the beginning of maritime archaeological research in Indian waters, marine records housed in archives of India and abroad provide details of the shipwrecks and the loss of Indian ships in foreign waters. Information on... more
Abstract: Since the beginning of maritime archaeological research in Indian waters, marine records housed in archives of India and abroad provide details of the shipwrecks and the loss of Indian ships in foreign waters. Information on more than 200 shipwrecks in Indian waters has been gathered from archival records and attempts made to explore in Goa, Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu waters. These shipwrecks are dated to the post 16th century AD. Shipwrecks were explored off Sunchi Reef, St George's Reef and Amee Shoals in ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In this book, Sethuraman Suresh has compiled available data on Arikamedu and other equally significant, lesserknown ancient trade sites in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. Several ports have been surveyed and excavated along the east coast of... more
In this book, Sethuraman Suresh has compiled available data on Arikamedu and other equally significant, lesserknown ancient trade sites in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. Several ports have been surveyed and excavated along the east coast of India, but not a single comprehensive monograph covering the archaeological and historical aspects of a particular site has been published, except some excavation reports, such as the Arikamedu Excavation Reports by Vimala Begley et al.(1996, 2004). Suresh's present monograph is ...
Research Interests:
Abstract: Since the dawn of civilization in India, Indians have shown the interest in trade. The morphological features of India enabled to carryout overseas and land route trade smoothly. The evidences of trade in India is dated back to... more
Abstract: Since the dawn of civilization in India, Indians have shown the interest in trade. The morphological features of India enabled to carryout overseas and land route trade smoothly. The evidences of trade in India is dated back to the Harappan culture. The geographical location of India enabled her to have strong contact with Africa on the west and eastern Archipelago on the east. During early historical times India was well connected with important trade centres like Taxila in the north to Kaveripattinam in the south and from ...
Abstract: Marine archaeology is otherwise known as maritime, nautical or underwater archaeology. These terms include all aspects of marine archaeology in which water plays a dominant role. It deals with the study of past seafaring from... more
Abstract: Marine archaeology is otherwise known as maritime, nautical or underwater archaeology. These terms include all aspects of marine archaeology in which water plays a dominant role. It deals with the study of past seafaring from material remains of this activity. All the developed countries have made tremendous progress in this field and substantial progress has been made in India in marine archaeology. Over the years the National Institute of Oceanography in collaboration with other Government agencies has ...
Research Interests:
Abstract: Ports and maritime activities of Orissa (India) and the maritime contacts with European countries during 16th to 19th century are presented in this paper. The matrial for the study has beach collected from the European factory... more
Abstract: Ports and maritime activities of Orissa (India) and the maritime contacts with European countries during 16th to 19th century are presented in this paper. The matrial for the study has beach collected from the European factory records, accounts and diaries of European travellers, contemporary Indian accounts and exploration reports. The paper also highlights description of ports and their contact with European countries, trade in goods and economic condition of Orissa (India).
Abstract: During the late Holocene, coastal configuration has undergone continuous changes due to various reasons like sea level fluctuations and shoreline shift. Several reasons are attributed like global warming causing polar ice... more
Abstract: During the late Holocene, coastal configuration has undergone continuous changes due to various reasons like sea level fluctuations and shoreline shift. Several reasons are attributed like global warming causing polar ice melting, change in sedimentological regime in near shore region resulting in emergence or submergence of coast and neotectonic activity altering the elevation.
Numerous stone and iron anchors of various shapes and sizes have been brought to light during the maritime archaeological explorations along the Indian littoral. And anchors are proxies to maritime archaeological studies. The recent... more
Numerous stone and iron anchors of various shapes and sizes have been brought to light during the maritime archaeological explorations along the Indian littoral. And anchors are proxies to maritime archaeological studies. The recent maritime archaeological studies along the Manikapatna Coast of Chilika Lake, Odisha, India, discovered one broken Indo-Arabian stone anchor. The archaeological excavation findings suggest that Manikapatna served as a port from the early historical period up to the 18th century CE. Besides the Indo-Arabian stone anchor, composite, kel-lick, one-armed anchor with stone stock and single hole stone anchors were previously documented along the Odisha coast. None of the anchors were accompanied by associated findings, nor from any strata, and therefore, these anchors differ in their period and usage. Nonetheless, some of the stone anchors are still used by the fisherfolk of Odisha in their traditional crafts. The finding of the Indo-Arabian stone anchor of Manikapatna has a great significance in the maritime history of Odisha. This paper discusses the Indo-Arabian stone anchor found at Manikapatna coast, its importance in the maritime history of Odisha and in comparison with other Indo-Arabian types of stone anchors of the Indian subcontinent.
Research Interests:
Marine archaeological investigations in the Indian waters have made steady progress during the last four decades, spearheaded by the marine archaeology centre of the CSIR-NIO, Dona Paula, Goa. Wooden and steel hulled shipwrecks have been... more
Marine archaeological investigations in the Indian waters have made steady progress during the last four decades, spearheaded by the marine archaeology centre of the CSIR-NIO, Dona Paula, Goa. Wooden and steel hulled shipwrecks have been investigated off Sunchi Reef, St. George's Reef and Amee Shoals in Goa waters. Sunchi Reef shipwreck is datable to the 17th century CE and was part of the Indo-Portuguese trade and commerce network. The St George's Reef shipwreck is dated to the 19th century CE. The name stamped on the firebricks of the Amee shoals shipwreck suggests that it could be of British origin, dating around the 1880s or later. Further, steam engine shipwrecks have been explored and documented in the Minicoy waters. An 18th century CE wooden hulled shipwreck has been explored off Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu. The discovery of Poompuhar shipwreck suggests that the wreck represents a local cargo ship carrying lead ingots from manufacturers in Europe. Similarly, explorations have brought to light, a shipwreck off Konark coast of Odisha, details are awaited.