The Ruins Under the Gulf of Khambhat
Sonar off the Gujarat coast showed what looked like a sunken city, with finds dated to 9,500 years ago.
What was reported
In 2001, the National Institute of Ocean Technology was surveying pollution in the Gulf of Khambhat when its sonar picked up regular, geometric shapes about 20 to 40 metres down. Dredging brought up pottery, beads, stone pieces and wood, and one piece of wood was carbon-dated to around 7500 BCE.
Some announced it as the ruins of a city thousands of years older than any known, which would rewrite the history of civilisation.
Explanations offered
Many archaeologists are unconvinced. The finds were dredged up, not excavated in place, so their link to the shapes is unclear; the dated wood could be natural; and sonar in strong tidal currents can produce misleading patterns. Without divers or a proper excavation, the site remains unconfirmed.
- When
- Found in 2001
- Where
- Gulf of Khambhat, off Gujarat, India
- Witnesses
- Scientists of the National Institute of Ocean Technology
- Status
- Disputed
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