Dwarka, one of the 7 holy pilgrimage sites of Hindus and a name which resonates in the hearts and minds of millions. The city which is remembered as the Kingdom of Lord Krishna. According to Indian mythology and ancient Indian texts Dwarka was once a magnificent coastal kingdom, thriving in wealth and was submerged into the sea after Lord Krishna’s Death. Some people believe it's a real story while some believe it’s just a part of ancient Indian literature and Mythology. Archeological Excavations, Research and Surveys have been performed for more than two decades. So, what does the research say about Dwarka’s existence? Is it just mythology or is it History?

Discovery of Dwarka
Dwarka, the city mentioned in Mahabharata as the kingdom of Krishna, was spread across 84 km as a fortified city at the bank of Gomati River in Gujarat. So, the existence of Dwarka is believed to be from the 3rd century. But was that Dwarka the same as the Dwarka city we know Today? No, that Dwarka is believed to be submerged after the death of Lord Krishna. To know if it was in reality or just an imaginary story formed by Ved Vyas. To discover this, the archeological survey of India Initiated the underwater research of Dwarka. Many underwater archeologists and oceanologists started researching in the Arabian sea, and to our surprise the Arabian sea had hidden numerous artifacts. But what are those artifacts and what’s the proof that they are debris of a 4000-year-old kingdom formed and run by Lord Krishna?

Mythology or History? What does the ASI say?

While the texts present a vivid picture of Dwarka, it was not until the 20th century that the search for the lost city gained momentum. In the 1980s, a series of underwater archaeological expeditions led by the Marine Archaeology Unit of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered ancient ruins submerged off the coast of Dwarka, near the modern city of Dwarka in Gujarat. What made the findings related to ancient mythology?

These findings were extraordinary: a network of stone structures, including large stone walls, pillars, and an elaborate underwater city that could fit the descriptions from the ancient texts. Many of the structures seemed to suggest an advanced civilization, with a layout that could potentially match the descriptions found in the Mahabharata. The underwater city was found at a depth of around 30 to 40 feet, raising the possibility that this could indeed be the remnants of an ancient settlement submerged due to natural forces like rising sea levels, tectonic activity, or a catastrophic event.

The evidence was compelling, yet the scientific community remains divided on the matter. Some experts argue that these structures could be part of a much older, historically documented civilization, like the Harappan or Indus Valley civilization, which flourished long before the supposed time of Krishna. They also note that natural erosion, currents, and shifting tectonic plates could have caused these structures to sink into the sea over thousands of years.
So, to answer whether ancient Dwarka really exists or not is “Yes”.

The Importance of Mythology
The question of whether Dwarka ever existed as a physical city raises important questions about the intersection of mythology and history. In the world of ancient texts and oral traditions, stories were often shaped by symbolism, morality, and religious teachings. In the case of Dwarka, the city is not just a geographical location but a symbol of Krishna’s divinity and the height of his power.

Lord Krishna’s role in Hinduism, especially in the context of the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata, is monumental. His teachings, his role as a divine guide, and his leadership in the battle of Kurukshetra are central to Hindu thought. The description of Dwarka as a magnificent city is often interpreted as an allegory for Krishna’s transcendental kingdom and the ideal state of society, filled with peace and prosperity. The city’s submersion into the sea is equally symbolic, representing the end of an era, the fleeting nature of material existence, and the ultimate return to the divine.

So, did Lord Krishna live on earth?
The question of whether Dwarka ever existed is one that blends history, archaeology, and mythology. While the underwater ruins near modern-day Dwarka raise intriguing possibilities, they do not provide conclusive evidence of the legendary city described in the Mahabharata. The structures found are believed to be much older than the time attributed to Krishna, suggesting that the submerged city could belong to an entirely different civilization.

Furthermore, the debate hinges on the perspective from which one approaches the question. To those who view the ancient texts as literal history, the discovery of these ruins might seem to confirm the existence of Krishna’s Dwarka. For others, however, the lack of specific evidence, and the absence of a direct connection to Krishna's time, means that the city remains a mythological construct, symbolic rather than factual.

ConclusionThe story of Dwarka remains one of the most compelling mysteries of ancient Indian history. While archaeological discoveries off the coast of Gujarat have provided tantalizing clues, they do not offer conclusive proof of the existence of the city as described in the Mahabharata. Whether Dwarka is a physical place that once existed, or a symbolic myth meant to convey deeper spiritual truths is a question that may never be fully answered.

Regardless of the historical debate, Dwarka continues to hold immense cultural and religious significance. It represents not just a physical city but an ideal, a divine kingdom that lives on in the hearts and minds of millions. Whether it was submerged beneath the sea or exists only in the realm of myth, the legacy of Dwarka, much like the legacy of Krishna himself, remains timeless.