Map & concept mind-map: Underwater Cultural Heritage Sites in India

Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Art & Culture

The Union Ministry of Culture, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is actively conducting underwater archaeological research and exploration at key sites such as Dwarka and Bet Dwarka in Gujarat, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, and Karaikal in Puducherry. The government has also licensed the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department for underwater excavation at Poompuhar and the National Institute of Oceanography for similar work at Bet Dwarka, Chhari, and Gangata Bet in Gujarat. Budget allocations highlight the government’s commitment, with the ASI’s Underwater Archaeology Wing receiving ₹75.4 lakh in 2025-26 and ₹66.5 lakh in 2026-27, while Tamil Nadu allocated ₹7 crore for both land and underwater excavations. These initiatives underscore India’s focus on preserving its submerged cultural heritage, aligning with global maritime archaeology trends and enhancing historical research capabilities.

For banking and SSC aspirants, this development is relevant as it reflects government expenditure on cultural preservation, a sector often linked to tourism and economic growth—key themes in exam syllabi. RBI Grade B candidates should note that such projects, involving inter-ministerial coordination and budgetary allocations, mirror policy frameworks central to economic governance and heritage conservation, both critical for understanding India’s socio-economic priorities.

Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

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