Govt. to revive ASI underwater wing
Recently the central government will revive the underwater wing of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for exploration in four states.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the underwater wing of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is being revived. It will conduct coastal exploration in four states.
These exploration sites will be Dwarka (Gujarat), several mythological sites in the Kaveri delta (Tamil Nadu) and the coastal sites of Maharashtra and Odisha.
ASI had established its underwater wing in the year 2001. But due to paucity of experts, it has been dormant for more than a decade.
Technologies for underwater exploration
- Radiometric Technique: This technique searches for radioactive impurities to find out the age of an archaeological source. Coral contains calcium carbonate. It is helpful in finding the age of a structure.
- Thermo luminescence (TL) Dating: The use of materials containing crystalline minerals for a particular thermal phenomenon. This is useful for ceramics. It determines the date of firing. At the same time, it also determines the date of the lava and sediments that were substantially exposed to sunlight.
Requirement of Protection:
- It will help in cultural exchange through history. It will also help in learning from international practices.
- It will also help in nation building and branding its unique cultural identity.
- It will also enhance livelihood and development activities at the local level.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in the year 1861. It is currently under the Ministry of Culture. It is a premier organization for archaeological research and conservation of the nation’s cultural heritage.
- It regulates all archaeological activities in the country in accordance with the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
- It also regulates the Antiquities and Valuable Artifacts Act, 1972.
- India’s first professional archaeologist Alexander Cunningham became the first Director General of ASI in the year 1871.
Source – The Hindu
