Coastal structural remains on the east coast of India: Evidence of maritime activities and their significance

Abstract

Archaeological evidence and literary sources mention that India had several ports and trade centres dating back to the Harappan period onwards. Archaeological explorations and excavations have brought to light a number of coastal structures such as dockyards, jetties, lighthouses, wharves and warehouses related to maritime activities of India. Lighthouses, warehouses and wharves have been located at Poompuhar, Arikamedu, Dharanikota, Chilika and Mahabalipuram on the east coast of India. Similarly, the recent maritime archaeological explorations have brought to light the remains of brick structures at Poompuhar and jetties at Dwarka and Aramda. The structures found on the east coast of India are datable from the early historical period to the historical period. The study of the remains of maritime structures provides the duration of their use, abandonment and causes of decline of port site. This paper details the coastal structures of the east coast of India and tentative dates are ascribed in relation to the maritime history of the east coast of India