Maritime Contacts of the Past- Deciphering Connections Amongst Communities

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About The Book Prior to commencement archaeological studies, amateur fishermen academicians had numerous artifacts the seabed, pub published, showcased, sold. The importance wcased, exhibited aesthetic the artifacts were understood scholars and the first academic maritime archaeology commenced Mediterranean sometime Moreover, maritime archaeology introduced curriculum universities colleges 19th Now maritime archaeology is developing because availability technological advancements that archaeologists and oceanographers explore deeper depths of ocean which were earlier unapproachable. other countries, maritime archaeological studies initiated India in 1983, and offshore explorations the along west east India have been undertaken submerged ports, shipwrecks, stone and traditional boatbuilding documented. But many scholars, and students Southeast and adjoining regions well on recent and advances field Maritime Archaeology in other parts the world.

About the Author Sila Tripati (1962) is a Maritime Archaeologist with the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India. He specialises in shipwrecks, stone anchors, maritime trade and submerged ports of the Indian subcontinent and has published widely on the subject.

Foreword The study of man's early encounter with seas and rivers came to the fore in the last decades of the 20th century. The archaeological evidence regarding ancient maritime activities worldwide is patchy, both in time and in space. It is generally believed that there were seafarers before there were farmers and potters. In the last few decades, maritime archaeology has attracted curiosity and added to the knowledge of maritime activities. Like other archaeologists, maritime archaeologists undertake explorations and excavations which provide first hand information about trade and shipping and present analyses of finds that shed light on the maritime accomplishments of human beings. The of maritime archaeology consists in the recovery of lost dimensions of history: man's encounter with the sea and the role played in the development of human civilization up to the early years of 20th century. It is said that maritime archaeology is the study of a e importance vanished culture; this is because at the end of 19th century, wooden ships were replaced with metal and sail replaced with steam. This shows the end of a maritime tradition which was in existence for 5000 years. These changes are in keeping with the development of technology.

Maritime Contacts of the Past: Deciphering Connections amongst Communities' tells the story of region-based discoveries from the proto-historic period to the 20th century, and each discovery concentrates on a period in time and together illuminates an entire era. This is the first comprehensive attempt to describe what maritime archaeology has discovered across the continents. The articles are written by maritime archaeologists actively engaged in this discipline for decades, while mention is made of undiscovered remains prone to disruption and theft by treasure hunters. This book will serve as a guide to maritime archaeologists, underwater archaeologists, maritime historians, archaeologists, students and others for its details and expertise. I am overwhelmed with the response to our invitation for submission of articles and the knowledge that these articles had since contributed about the world's maritime past to the posterity. I thank the authors for their interest and rich contributions.

Preface Maritime Archaeology takes us into the part of mankind's history which dates back from. the times when man first ventured into waters either for collection of food or to cross the frontiers. However, it was only in the mid 20th century that it was introduced as a discipline from an academic and a research point of view. By that time Jacques Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnon had invented the aqualung scuba diving device which helped archaeologists, professionals and amateurs to undertake surveys of the seabed. Maritime archaeological study involves both land and water and the discoveries concern both scientists and social scientists thus its popularity has increased manifold world-wide. Yet, in relation to social and other sciences, it is a nascent discipline.

Over the last few decades several astounding discoveries and excavations have been made by maritime archaeologists and amateurs in seas and oceans across the globe. Some of these emphasize on the achievements of men, but by and large they generally shed new light on the links between men and lakes, rivers or seas, or with their neighbours across the oceans. As land archaeology delves into the earth, maritime archaeology delves underwater and contributes enormously to our knowledge of the past. As the scope of research expands, maritime archaeology allies itself to other disciplines with more emphasis on preservation of underwater cultural heritage, prevention of damage to cultural resources, enhancement of public awareness and education and documentation of archaeological remains from shallow to deeper waters.

In India, maritime archaeological researches were initiated in the mid eighties with limited manpower and resources as individual projects. Gradually, it became an integral part of the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, because of its significance to both humanities and science. Maritime archaeology is increasingly becoming popular and many universities and research institutes have patronized this discipline and have encouraged students to pursue dissertations for postgraduate and doctoral degrees. Maritime Archaeological studies in Indian waters have completed more than two and half decades. Over the years, studies on submerged ports, maritime trade, shipwrecks and stone anchors of India have been carried out and onshore and offshore explorations have been taken up in the waters of west and east coasts of India. The findings corroborate the contacts of India with the countries around the Indian Ocean region and throw light on the rich maritime heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

The papers incorporated in this volume are an attempt to encompass all themes related to the title of the volume.

**Contents and Sample Pages**