The Underwater Archaeology Wing of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, and the Njord Centre for Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage of the National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to launch a submerged archaeological project to locate and document the remains of the historic Danish ship 'Øresund', which wrecked near the Karaikal coast of Puducherry in 1619 AD. The 'Øresund' holds special significance in maritime history as it is believed to be the first Danish ship to reach India. Shortly after arriving in Indian waters, the vessel was wrecked near Karaikal. For this reason, it has become an important archaeological source for understanding the early maritime relations between Denmark and India, as well as the broader history of seafaring and trade in the Indian Ocean during the early 17th century. Under the terms of the MoU, the project will focus on a non-invasive archaeological survey, using modern technology and scientific methods to detect possible remains of the shipwreck. The exploration will be carried out by ASI's Underwater Archaeology Wing in collaboration with the National Museum of Denmark. This collaboration is a major achievement for the Underwater Archaeology Wing, as it is its first joint archaeological project with an international organisation. The partnership is expected to strengthen academic and scientific cooperation between India and Denmark in the field of research on underwater cultural heritage. The initiative also reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to the documentation, preservation and study of submerged cultural heritage through international cooperation and non-invasive scientific methods.
ASI and National Museum of Denmark Sign MoU to Explore Historic Danish Shipwreck 'Øresund'
ASI's Underwater Archaeology Wing and the National Museum of Denmark signed an MoU to locate and document the wreck of the Danish ship 'Øresund', the first Danish vessel to reach India, which sank near Karaikal in 1619 — ASI's first joint archaeological project with an international organisation.
Key facts
- ASI's Underwater Archaeology Wing and the Njord Centre of the National Museum of Denmark (Copenhagen) signed an MoU.
- The project targets the wreck of the Danish ship Øresund, which sank near Karaikal, Puducherry in 1619 AD.
- The Øresund is believed to be the first Danish ship to reach India.
- The survey will be non-invasive, using modern technology and scientific methods.
- It is the Underwater Archaeology Wing's first joint project with an international organisation.
- The partnership strengthens India-Denmark academic and scientific cooperation on underwater cultural heritage.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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With reference to the recently signed MoU on the Danish ship 'Øresund', consider the following statements:\n1. The 'Øresund' is believed to be the first Danish ship to reach India.\n2. The ship wrecked near the Karaikal coast of Puducherry in 1619 AD.\nWhich of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. According to the source, the Øresund is believed to be the first Danish ship to reach India, and it wrecked near the Karaikal coast of Puducherry in 1619 AD.
Source: Press Information Bureau
Frequently asked questions
Which two institutions signed the MoU?
The Underwater Archaeology Wing of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Njord Centre of the National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen.
What is the Øresund and why is it significant?
It is a historic Danish ship believed to be the first Danish vessel to reach India; it wrecked near Karaikal in 1619 AD.
What kind of survey will the project undertake?
A non-invasive archaeological survey using modern technology and scientific methods to detect possible remains of the wreck.
Why is this collaboration notable for ASI's Underwater Archaeology Wing?
It is the Wing's first joint archaeological project with an international organisation.
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