Dwarka: The Real Atlantis!
We have all heard stories and legends about the mythical “Atlantis”. It was believed to be an island where civilization was at its peak. Where architecture, art, culture, politics, administration etc was so advanced, it was a place where all the great wise men lived and imparted their learning to the rest of the world! It was so full of beauty and grandeur that it made other civilizations envious of it. Even Plato, the great Greek philosopher, wrote of a utopian society; he was giving allegorical references to this island kingdom. Then, nature’s fury struck and the fabled Atlantis was devastated and it sunk beneath the ocean, never to rise again! All the wisdom, knowledge, art, architecture all were lost to mankind for eternity! Since then many philosophers, thinkers, historians, archaeologists, deep-sea divers and common people have tried their best to look for this mystical island, but none have ever succeeded.
Though, many deep-sea expeditions and exploration undertaken b historians and archaeologists have claimed that they have found the remnants of the once-great civilization, there have been no conclusive proof or evidence brought forth to validate their claims. Many have also claimed that the search for Atlantis has been focussed in the wrong direction!
What if I told you that in Indian Mythology, there was a similar place which is believed to be founded by Lord Krishna, and it had all the same characteristics as those attributed to that of Atlantis? Well, I am talking about Dwarka, an ancient city in Gujarat, India. That’s right, “Dwarka”, in Sanskrit means “Gateway To Heaven” According to ancient Hindu texts, Dwarka was founded by Lord Krishna, who is considered to b the god of kindness, love, harmony and compassion. Lord Krishna is described as a blue-bodied, tender-hearted and kind god in the Hindu religion. He also plays the central and most significant role in the ancient epic “Mahabharata”, where he guides Arjuna as he lays down the basic principles of life, which every mortal has to undergo in his mortal life. His teachings and principles are written in the sacred ancient text “Bhagavad Gita”, which is the holy book for all Hindus. He also enhances the role of ‘Karma’, the significance it has in each individual’s life.
Well, Dwarka was believed to have 900,000 royal palaces, all made of crystal and silver and also believed to be decorated with emeralds. It is also believed that it had an elaborate system of boulevards, markets, roads, assembly houses and temples. Dwarka is considered one of the seven holy pilgrimage centres in India. Further research has shown that this ancient city was 84 kilometres long. Now, if we dig a bit deeper into the historical and mythical importance of Dwarka; we will find that it was also referred to as “Mokshapuri”, “Dwarkamati”, and “Dwarkavati”. According to legend, Lord Krishna defeated and killed ‘Kansa’, his uncle and settled down here and renamed it as “Dwarka”. Earlier to this, it was known as “Kaushathali”. Also, according to legends, under Lord Krishna, the city of Dwarka flourished and extended well beyond its borders. It is believed that Lord Krishna administered the city while residing at “Bet Dwarka”. The city’s “Dwarkadhish Temple”, is said to have been built 2,500 years ago as a place of worship dedicated to Lord Krishna. Later on, it was destroyed by Mahmud Begada but was rebuilt in the 16th century. This temple is also the location of Dwarka Matha, also called Sharada Matha, established by the great Indian sage and mystic “Adi Shankaracharya”.
The reason I am saying that this could have been the real Atlantis is that historical records have been found in an epigraphic reference ascribed to Garulaka Simhaditya, the son of Varahdas, the king of Dwarka. It has been found inscribed on a copper plate dated 574 A.D., according to historians. Also, the Greek writer of the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea referred to a place called Baraca, which has been interpreted as present-day Dwarka.
Another important aspect for claiming Dwarka as the real Atlantis is the many archaeological expeditions done and artefacts found by the Archaeological Survey of India. Archaeological investigations that were done at Dwarka since 1963 have revealed many important historical facts and artefacts about the fabled city. Excavations have revealed submerged settlements, a large stone jetty and triangular stone anchors with three holes. As early as 2001, many artefacts such as pieces of pottery, human bones and teeth, sculptures etc have been found which are believed to be as old as 9,500 years old!
Also, many similarities have been found between Atlantis and Dwarka. Instances such as the lineage of Lord Krishna and Hercules, i.e. Lord Krishna was believed to be from the dynasty of king Shurasena, whereas, Hercules was a direct descendant of a clan called Shoursenoi! Krishna’s legend starts from Mathura; whereas, Hercules’s starts from Methora. Lord Krishna is also referred to as ‘Hari’. Whereas, Hercules is also called Haricules. There are also similarities between Dwarka, “The Celestial Gateway to Heaven” and “The Mythical burden of Hercules”. Both have allegorical references to being destroyed from above. Some Hindus believe that it was a war between Celestial ‘Devas’ and ‘Asuras’ that destroyed Dwarka. Others believe that after Lord Krishna decided to retire from his earthly abode, Dwarka sank into the sea. The destruction and sinking of Atlantis also have been believed to be the work of some celestial war between Gods and Titans.
It is no wonder that historians and archaeologists believe that this mythical city was real as per archaeological evidence. Even proponents of alternate history like Graham Hancock have spent time researching and deep-sea diving to the spot where Dwarka is supposed to have sunk. Even the famous world explorer Josh Gates has undertaken an expedition to find out the legend of Dwarka.
Well, there has been an unsaid conflict of opinion as to the origins and location of the real Atlantis for so many centuries and decades. Whatever the truth maybe it will never be clear unless more proof and evidence can be found. I, for myself, would like to believe that Dwarka was and is the real Atlantis.
The mystery of Dwarka and Atlantis still is an enduring enigma and a baffling mystery to all of us till then.