Shipwrecks in the off Shore Waters of the Indian Peninsula–A Review

Abstract

Marine archaeological investigations in the Indian waters have made steady progress during the last four decades, spearheaded by the marine archaeology centre of the CSIR-NIO, Dona Paula, Goa. Wooden and steel hulled shipwrecks have been investigated off Sunchi Reef, St. George’s Reef and Amee Shoals in Goa waters. Sunchi Reef shipwreck is datable to the 17th century CE and was part of the Indo-Portuguese trade and commerce network. The St George’s Reef shipwreck is dated to the 19th century CE. The name stamped on the firebricks of the Amee shoals shipwreck suggests that it could be of British origin, dating around the 1880s or later. Further, steam engine shipwrecks have been explored and documented in the Minicoy waters. An 18th century CE wooden hulled shipwreck has been explored off Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu. The discovery of Poompuhar shipwreck suggests that the wreck represents a local cargo ship carrying lead ingots from manufacturers in Europe. Similarly, explorations have brought to light, a shipwreck off Konark coast of Odisha, details are awaited.