The 8th conference on Marine Archaeology and Indian Ocean Countries, Goa 2013

The 8th conference on Marine Archaeology and Indian Ocean Countries, Goa 2013

About the Conference and organizers: The Society for Marine Archaeology, Goa organized the 8th National Conference on Maritime Archaeology (NCMA) in collaboration with National Institute of Oceanography and Archaeological Survey of India (Goa Circle) on July 1-2, 2013 in the memory of late Dr. S.R. Rao. The conference was supported by National Centre for Ocean and Antarctic Research, Goa, State Government of Goa and others. The National Conference on Maritime Archaeology (NCMA) is being held to bring into focus the latest findings by the researchers, academicians and amateur archaeologists[1]. A brief was given by the TOI[2].

Origin and the proceedings of the conferences[3]: The Society for Marine Archaeology was founded in 1988 as a brain child of Dr S. R. Rao consequent to the International Conference on Marine Archaeology was held in Goa in 1987. The Journal of Marine archaeology was started published from January 1980. Though, it was registered as a “society” in July 1989[4], subsequently, the registration lapsed for some reasons.  So far, the following conferences were held at different places. Though, originally it was planned that the conference should be held once in two years, it was not followed or feasible due to some reasons.

The NIO building where the conference was held

The inside view of the NIO entrance

For NIO building, the corner stone was laid by the then president of India Sri V. V. Giri on 07-04-1973

Conference	Dates / year when held	Where held	Theme of the conference
1	October 1987	Jarhnagar[5], Gujarat from 12 to 14 October, 1987
2	January 20 and 21, 1990	Hotel Rama, Bangalore	Recent advances in marine archaeology
3	April 10-12, 1992	Kartanak University, Dhawar	Role of universities and other research organizations i preserving underwater cultural heritage
4	September 20-21, 1994	Andhra University, Vishakapatnam	An integrated approach to marine archaeology.
5
6
7	October 6-7, 2005	Goa
8	July 1 and 2, 2013	Goa	In memory of Dr S. R. Rao, Harappan civilization and Indian Ocean

The conference was held in memory of  Dr. S.R. Rao and a brief about him: Marine Archaeology in India was pioneered by Dr. S.R. Rao –  Shikaripura Ranganatha Rao  (1920-2013), one of the well known archaeologists of Independent India[6], in 1981 and steered Centre for Marine Archaeology at NIO till 1994. He was also founder President of Society for Marine Archaeology and took up on himself to spread reaches of Marine Archaeology across the globe. Dr. Rao passed away on 3rd January, 2013 at his residence in Bangalore, Karnataka and India has lost a brilliant and dedicated archaeologist who dominated Indian archaeology for over a five decades. His best known contribution to the Indian archaeology is the excavations at Lothal which set the tone for major research on the Harappan Archaeology in India. The site gave astonishing evidences on external trade and commerce particularly with Mesopotamia and other Gulf nations. He extensively explored Gujarat and discovered as many as 40 sites of various phases of Harappan Civilization. Dr. Rao believed[7] that India has a 5000 years old history of overseas trade and commerce and in the process several shipwrecks should have occurred[8]. To unravel the mystery, the systematic research in Maritime Archaeology was essential. After his retirement from the Archaeological Survey of India in 1980, Dr. Rao seeded the idea of a Unit for Marine Archaeology studies at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa in 1981. He obtained funds, built infrastructure and needed manpower for this unit. He also organized much needed training in diving for the archaeologists for underwater explorations and the legacy continues even today. He successfully led several Marine Archaeological expeditions to Dwarka[9], Bet Dwarka, Somnath, Lakshadweep and Poompuhar.

The theme of the Conference: The main theme of the conference was given in the 1^st and 2^nd circulars sent by the organizers[10]:

• Harappan Archaeology – recent excavations interpretations and Indus script.
• Underwater Archaeological Investigations in the Indian Ocean adjacent Countries and their contribution to science.

The Registration Fees was collected from the delegates as follows:

• Delegates:                             Rs. 500.00
• Local Delegates & students    Rs. 200.00
• Accompanying person            Rs. 1000.00

The Local Organising Committee consisted the following: The organizing committee consisted the officers of NIO and ASI of Goa region as follows:

• Dr. SWA Naqvi, Chairman, NIO.
• Dr. A. G. Untawale
• Shri K H Vora    (Organising Secretary)
• Dr. Rajiv Nigam[11], Chief Scientist, NIO.
• Dr. A C Anil[12], Chief Scientist, NIO.
• Dr. Pratima Kamat, Professor of History, Goa University,
• SA, Goa Circle,  ASI, Old Goa,
• Director of Archaeology and Museums, Panaji,
• Dr. Aniruddh Singh Gaur[13], Principal Technical Officer, NIO.
• Dr. Sila Tripati[14], Principal Technical Officer, NIO.
• Mr. Sundaresh[15], Convenor and Principal Technical Officer, NIO.

The circular[16] informed that NCMA would provide a platform for discussion on the problems, solutions and recommendations on critical aspects faced by researchers and scholars for futuristic approaches in the field of maritime archaeology of India. As NCMA is a national event, its importance among the archaeologists, historians, geologists and oceanographers can never be overemphasised.  About 30 scholars from various parts of India working on above themes participated and presented papers in the conference. “Abstract” notes containing papers were given to the delegates[17].

The 8th conference on Marine Archaeology and Indian Ocean Countries: It was inaugurated at the conference hall of NIO, Goa. First, Dr A. G. Untawale recalled about the contribution of Dr S. R. Rao and felt that he was not there in the conference. He informed that 1^st July was his birth day and hen had chosen the date as a tribute to him. He regretted that many archaeological sites have been without boards for visitors or tourists.

Dr SWA Naqvi, Director, NIO presided over the function and he inaugurated by lighting the lamp in the Seminar Hall of the NIO. The ceremony was carried on with another small lamp by the dignitaries and the lamp had enough wicks to accommodate all. He pointed out that India had a lengthy coast line and therefore had a great potential to offer for the marine archaeologists.  He also regretted that now the coastal areas were disturbed by different human activities like offshore drilling, SEZ etc.

Dr A. G. Untanwale briefed about the theme of the conference.

Dr Naqvi Director NIO in his inaugural speech pointed out the potential offered by the lengthy coast of India for the marine archaeologists.

Padma Shri Dr. R. S. Bisht[18] (Former Joint Director General, ASI) delivered Key note address on “Maritime Activities of Harappans”[19]. He explained the “meluha” link with the following:

1. Stone and pearls.
2. Wood and plants
3. Animals
4. Metal
5. Meluhan style objects.

The depiction of Harappan traders known as “meluha” was there on many Mesopotamian cylindrical seals.

He also pointed out the similarities in the figures depicted in the seals of the interacting civilizations.The pattern found has been striking pointing the trade relation.

Elite audience listening to R S Bisht on the maritime trade of Harappans.

Dr Dayalan of ASI informed that Sri Pravin Srivastava, IAS and Director General of ASI could not come there, as he had to rush to Uttarakhand. He mentioned about the limited underwater excavations carried on at Mahabalipuram, Arikkamedu, Kaveripumpattinam, Lakshadwip islands, Elephanta, Gujarat and other places. He pointed about the Tamil /South India trade connection with China during 4^th cent.CE and the Tamil Brahmi script appearing on potsherd recovered at Oman.Drs V K Vora, Naqvi, Dayalan and Untawale on the stage during inauguration.A. S. Gaur welcomed the delegates of the conference.A.S. Gaur welcoming – the other view.A sectional view of the participant delegates from all over India.Another view of the audience – the participant researchers.Same as above – another view or rather shot by another camera.Yet another view of the participant audience on the first day of the conference.General body meeting held on the evening of 01-07-2013.

Dr V. K. Vora read the message given by Dr Nalini Rao[20]  professor of Art History and Archaeology, Soka University, U.S of late Dr S. R. Rao on the occasion.

Technical session and paper presentation: There were three sessions for paper presentation on 1^st and 2^nd July 2013.

On the first day of the conference (01-07-2013, Monday), the following papers were presented:

1. The Harappan Cooking and Serving Vessels from Shikarpur and the Importance of Harappan Cuisines!  – P. Ajithprasad
2. Three Years Comprehensive Report of Excavation at Kotada Bhadli in Kachchh District, Gujarat  – Prabodh Shirvalkar and Y.S. Rawat
3. Recent Excavation at Rupnagar, Punjab  – V.N. Prabhakar
4. An Overview of the Harappans and their Mesopotamian Contacts  – V.N. Prabhakar
5. Further Excavations at Khirsara  – R.N. Kumaran

After lunch, the following papers were presented:

1. Environmental Impact on Cultural Landscape in Hinterland of a Harappan Metropolis – Tejas Garge
2. A possible modulation of rise and demise of civilizations along the west coast of India by the sea level changes – Rajiv Nigam
3. Extension of Harappan Culture in North – Western Maharashtra – Manoj Kumar Kurmi
4. Exposed Harappan Objects : Engaging the Audience – Sanjib Kumar Singh
5.  Dr.S.R.Rao-An Unforgettable Archaeologist of India  – Balakrishna Hegde
6. Maritime Trade of Goa from Times Immemorial – Fr. Cosme Jose Costa sfx.
7. Source of stones for Casa de Polvora, a gunpowder manufacturing site and cannon balls, a scientific analysis  – Abhijit Ambekar
8. The military fort in Mandovi estuary: its relation with the present river bank  – Antonio Mascarenhas, Sila Tripati, R. Mani Murali
9. At the Tide’s End: Some Ethno-archaeological Observations about the Goan Port of Ganjem – Pratima Kamat

 

Evening the Annual General Body Meetingof the Society for Marine Archaeology was held in the seminar hall.

On the second day of the conference (Tuesday 2nd July 2013), the following papers were presented:

1. Packaged food from the sea: Dietary Use of Marine Molluscs at coastal Harappan settlements in Gujarat India – Arati Deshpande-Mukherjee
2. Oceanic Elements among the Nagas – Alok Kumar Kanungo
3.  A Study of Chinese Porcelain found in the Indian Ocean – Aprajita Sharma
4. Ancient Ports on Kerala Coast – Recent Investigations  – M. Nambirajan
5. Some Early Historic Ports of Tamilakam: Revisited – N. Athiyaman
6. Offshore Technology & Marine Archaeology  – A.C. Kulkarni
7. Applications of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Archaeology – R. Mani Murali
8. Robot: application in Maritime Archaeology – Pramod Maurya
9. A Review of the Marine archaeological findings recovered from the sea waters of SEA and Chinese regions during 10th to 12th centuries  – K.V. Ramkrishna Rao
10.  Excavations at Dwarka: Critical Analysis of Archaeological Remains – Alok Tripathi
11. Shivaji’s Navy & his marine Forts – Shreekant S. Jadhav
12. Naval power of The Goa Kadambas and Its depiction on Memorial Stone Slabs – Ramesh Mulimani
13. 5. Early Historic Shipwreck Archaeology of the Indian Subcontinent region  – A.S. Gaur

 Dr S. Balakrishna Hegde presenting a paper on the contribution of Dr S. R. Rao.Fr. Cosme Jose Costa sfx.  of Pilar monastery presenting a paper.Dr Adhiyaman, Tanjore University presenting paper.Sri K. V. Ramakrishna Rao, Independent researcher from Chennai presenting a paper.

There were discussions, debates and exchange of ideas after the presentation of papers. There have been reservation, reluctance and ambivalence about the dating of the samples, correlation of data and interpretation of material objects recovered at different marine and land archaeological sites. Though all the marine and land archaeologists follow the same principles and methodology, it is intriguing to note that each questions the same of the others. However, the two days deliberations were closed with a customary Valedictory Function. Some views of the participants were welcome and discussion went on about the furthering of the activities of the society. The vote of thanks was given by Sundaresh.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

© 06-07-2013

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[1] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_eventdisplay/task/view/tid/4/sid/24/eid/204

[2] Conference on maritime archaeology: The society for marine archaeology, Goa, is organizing its 8th national conference on maritime archaeology (NCMA) in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Archaeological Survey of India (Goa circle) and supported by the national centre for ocean and Antarctic research on July 1 and 2 in memory of the late Dr S R Rao, a well-known archaeologist from India. Padma Shri Dr R S Bisht (former joint director general, ASI) will deliver the keynote address on ‘Maritime activities of Harappans’ at the inaugural session of the conference at 9.30am in the NIO seminar hall.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-29/goa/40271555_1_archaeology-nio-seminar

[3] I tried to get these details from the proceeding volumes (2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 7th) received on 2^nd July 2013, but unfortunately, the dates of the conferences themselves are not found in the volumes.

[4] Journal of Marine Archaeology, Vol.3, July, 1992, p.75.

[5] Annual Report 1987-88, p.65; http://www.nio.org/userfiles/file/annual_report/1987-88.pdf

[6] Shikaripura Ranganatha Rao completed his education from Mysore University. He worked in the Archaeological Department of Baroda State and subsequently served theArchaeological Survey of India in various capacities. Dr. Rao has led excavations of many important sites such as Rangpur, Amreli, Bhagatrav, Dwaraka, Hanur, Aihole,Kaveripattinam and others. One of his most important works were leading the research and excavations at Lothal, the earliest known port in history and the most important Indus-era site in India. Dr. Rao was the recipient of Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship and a doctorate of literature from Mysore University. Rao had supervised excavation of several historic sites across the country in the West and South. He was also associated with conservation of monuments such as Taj Mahal and forts. Despite officially retiring in 1980, Dr. Rao was requested to work for the ASI Director General in leading Indian archaeological projects. It was under the initiative of Dr Rao that the NIO opened a marine archaeology research centre in 1981, under the stewardship of then director Dr S. Zahoorul Quasim, which grew into a world recognised body. He was the founder of the Society of Marine Archaeology in India. Rao has been at the forefront of Indian archaeology for many decades – he was involved in extensive research into India’s ancient past, from the sites of the Indus Valley Civilization to excavations pertaining to the Kurukshetra War.

[7] I have just reproduced from their website. Interestingly, it is not the question of what Dr S. R. Rao believed or not, as the general public want to know what exactly the excavations carried on by him or others are useful to them or for historians to update and correct the Indian history.

[8] Interestingly or ironically Dr. R. S. Bisht (Former Joint Director General, ASI) delivered Key note address on “Maritime Activities of Harappans” showing the slides dating such events going back to such periods.

[9] His interview with the Hindu is available here – Wednesday, Nov 20, 2002, http://hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/11/20/stories/2002112000450200.htm

[10] For more details contact Shri Sundaresh (phone 0832-2450372;  email:sundares@nio.org).

[11] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/552

[12] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/995

[13] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/1006

[14] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/985

[15] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/986

[16] Two circulars were sent by the Society in the months of April and May 2013 giving these details.

[17] 27 pages containing 38 abstracts of the papers to be presented.

[18] In a recent article “The Harappan Hub” appearing in the Frontline, more details can be seen:

http://www.frontline.in/arts-and-culture/heritage/the-harappan-hub/article4840474.ece

[19] Abstracts, pp.1-2.

[20] S. Kamala Rao, wife of the former Director of the Archaeological Survey of India S.R. Rao, died at her residence here on Sunday (Wednesday, Oct 21, 2009). She was 86. The Carnatic vocalist is survived by her husband, daughters Shakuntala Rao, paediatrician in Chennai; and Nalini Rao, professor of Art History and Archaeology, Soka University, U.S.; and son S. Gopala Rao, Deputy General Manager, BEML, and daughter-in-law Meena Rao, writer.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155260500.htm