Carved rocks, wall found under sea Search for More News New Delhi, Nov 19: Rocks with step-like cuttings, a wall and carved blocks found under the sea in the southern coast near the heritage site of Mahabalipuram are believed to be evidence of an early settlement or a port.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) came across the remains while recently conducting excavations underwater at the site in Tamil Nadu.
"Mahabalipuram is a historical place. We started detailed excavation 500 metres from the shore in the sea and recently came across different types of rocks which indicate human activity. We have also found a wall running from the shore into the sea," Alok Tripathy, Superintending Archaeologist of ASI's underwater archaeology wing, told newspersons.
The rocks, which were covered with a lot of vegetation, were examined by experts and the cuttings on them were found to have many similarities with carved rocks on the shore, he said.
"There are rocks having step-like cuttings and holes on them. All these designs are similar to the rock cuttings found on the shore near the main existing temple which is famous for its rock art," he said.
"These rocks endorse the belief of the people that there were another six small temples near the place. We have found a stonewall running from east to west, from the shore into the sea. We will excavate till the end of the wall," Tripathy said.
He said remains of a damaged structure have also been found, indicating there was a port or an early settlement at that place which might have got submerged underwater in the course of time.
In addition, rocky ridges have been found beneath six to eight feet of water. These ridges, covered with a lot of vegetation, are similar to the ridges on the ground. The excavation, currently being conducted at four to five places under the sea in the area, is expected to unravel more facets about the history of the place.
There are references to Mahabalipuram in Sangam literature up to third century AD. However, there are not many references about the place during the period from third century AD to seventh century AD when the Pallavas came to power.
"Now we have to examine issues like whether there was an early settlement or a port in the area. Most importantly, we have to study the character of the sea and the coast so that we can take steps for conservation of existing monuments," Tripathy said.
The ASI has been excavating the area since 2001. However, detailed excavation has been undertaken since last year.
The excavation has also revealed the remains of two temples on the shore.
The base of one temple has been found while the remains of the superstructure of the second temple have been discovered, he said.
"There may be some more temples in and around the area. We will try to find out how the structures got damaged," Tripathy said.
The excavation is being conducted with the help of the Indian Navy, which provides ships and other equipment for the archaeological operations. (Agencies)