Onshore and nearshore explorations along the Maharashtra Coast: With a view to locating ancient ports and submerged sites

Abstract

Coastal explorations were carried out along the west coast of India at Elephanta Island, Malvan, Vijaydurg, Sopara and Chaul. A number of lead and copper coins as well as pottery of different cultural periods were found. Onshore explorations at Malvan and Vijaydurg yielded stone anchors of the Historical period, the first of their kind to be found in this region. The purpose of the submerged stone structure off Vijaydurg appears to have been damage to enemy ships or protect the fort from wave and current action. Other discoveries as well as offshore explorations are of importance in the reconstruction of the maritime history of India.