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ICHR to undertake marine project on Ram Setu

Last Updated 26 March 2017, 19:26 IST
The Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) will undertake a marine archaeology project by the end of this year to establish with “material evidence” if the Ram Setu is natural or man-made. “Ram Setu is a two-month-long pilot project. We have planned to undertake it in October-November. On the basis of the outcome, we will see if there is a case for further exploration. We will also seek the government’s help if required,” ICHR chairman Y Sudershan Rao said here .

He said a team of at least 20 research scholars, including university faculty working with the department of history and archaeology, will be selected for the project. Besides, experts from the ASI’s marine archaeology department will also be roped in. “Under this project, we will try to find out as to what extent Ram Setu is a natural phenomenon or if there were some sort of human efforts (in its creation). We will be looking for material confirmation. We will have at least eight licensed divers in the exploration team,” Rao said, when asked for the objective of the project.

He said a 15-day workshop-cum-training programme will be organised by the end of May for research scholars to be selected for the project. The workshop will be held under former ASI director general Alok Tripathi, who currently heads the department of ancient history and archaeology at the Central University of Assam and is known for his expertise in marine archaeology, Rao added. As per Indian mythology, Ram Setu was built by an army of monkeys for Lord Rama and his warriors to cross over to Lanka.

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(Published 26 March 2017, 19:26 IST)

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