Maritime Archaeology and Shipwrecks Off Goa

About the Book Among the ports harbors the west coast Goa occupies strategic position whilst relatively good harbors have made centre of maritime trade much history. Goa was one of the important entrecotes on the west coast of India. Maritime Interaction of Goa with the rest of India other parts of the is well documented from the early centuries of the Christian era. Over the centuries, ports of Goa declined owing to siltation, foreign attack, then ports were established and maritime trade continued. The location of Goa suited the Portuguese from every so they fought against Adil and conquered Goa up 1961. During these periods several ships have been wrecked unskilled navigation or other reasons.

In order reconstruct the maritime history of Goa both onshore and offshore explorations have been carried out and the present work is the outcome of the exploration. Moreover, it was this reason that the first shipwreck exploration Indian waters was carried out in Goa waters. In course of underwater exploration, shipwrecks have been found off Sunchi Reef, Georges' Reef and Amee Shoals, Sail Rock and Grande Island. The Sunchi Reef shipwreck the oldest wreck so far surveyed in Indian waters and the first Portuguese wreck until now investigated. Coastal Geomorphology and Seabed topography of Goa has recorded while studies. In addition to shipwrecks, stone anchors documented in waters and Chandor, Gopakapatana and Goa, the sites have explored. In separate chapters, a comprehensive report of analysis elephant tusks hippopotamus teeth recovered from Sunchi shipwreck and anatomical analysis of wooden stocks of anchors retrieved Aguada bay have been included. The gives comprehensive account rich maritime heritage and illustrated with both and underwater photographs, drawings and tables, and undoubtedly fascinate, enhance the knowledge scholars and researchers and provide them with insight into maritime heritage of Goa.

About the Authors Sila Tripati (1962) Maritime Archaeologist the CSIR-National Institute Oceanography (NIO), and author of and published his works the peer-reviewed national International journals. He participated onshore offshore explorations the west and the Indian maritime trade and submerged ports.

Gaur (1965) working the CSIR-National Institute Oceanography, Goa 1988, undertaken extensive research in field Marine Archaeology and important projects include the underwater explorations at Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Somnath, Kodinar, Ghogha Gujarat coast many other sites along Indian coast. has authored Harappan Maritime Legacies Gujarat (2000) and authored three Archaeology Dwarka (2005), Underwater Archaeology Dwarka and Somnath (2008) Maritime Archaeology around number research papers.

Sundaresh (1964) joined CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa in 1989 as Technical officer (Marine Archaeologist). more than papers published National credit. He has authored two books. has presented research papers in National and International Conferences member 6 prestigious professional bodies as life member and Honourable Treasurer Society for Marine Archaeology, Goa.

Foreword Shipwreck exploration was taken up in India for first time the waters Goa in 1988 by CSIR-National Institute Oceanography (NIO), constituent laboratory of Council Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Since then, search shipwrecks along coast been taken off Sunchi Reef, St. George's Amee Shoals, Sail Rock and Grande Island. present book the findings these studies. The Sunchi Reef shipwreck datable early 17th century and provides insights into maritime trade those days. George's shipwreck is 115 years old and is the Basel Mission Company explored. Amee first steam observed the waters Goa, be cargo ship Rock be from 19th early century. The Grande Island shipwreck could be century old.

This book on underwater exploration off Goa provides hand information and analyses artefacts that were recovered from the shipwrecks.

Preface The worldwide maritime archaeological evidence for ancient water transport is scanty. both in time and in space. It is believed that the earliest voyages were made around 60,000) years ago, and people must have used some kind of floats or rafts for the purpose. The 7516 km long coastline of India enabled the development and progress of seaports and trade centres from ancient times. Rafts, log and basket boats, were used in olden days for exploitation of marine resources in coastal waters. Dating back to prehistoric times and the people of Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Megalithic cultures used the sea. After realising the usefulness of water transport, distinct types of vessels were designed and constructed. Over a period of time they appear on seals, potsherds, coins, amulets, cave and temple walls as well as rock paintings. The history of boatbuilding is as old as the relationship between man and the sea. The mariners of India undertook overseas voyages to different countries after gaining knowledge of the sea's currents, tides, waves, weather and winds. In overseas trade and commerce the ports and trade centres on the cast and west coasts of India played a critical role from at least the 3rd millennium BC onwards.

Literary sources, archaeological discoveries, iconographic and epigraphic evidences and accounts of travellers allude to trade and commerce, overseas cultural contacts, and problems faced by mariners and seamen and shipwrecks in India. In order to corroborate the descriptions in literary sources, epigraphical evidences and accounts of travellers, land and underwater exploration are highly necessary. Maritime archaeological exploration and excavation have been carried out along the Indian coast since the inception of the Marine Archaeology Centre at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Goa. In the last three decades significant achievements have been made in maritime archaeological research in India.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages