Kashmir’s Sunken Secret: ASI Maps 9th-Century Temple Hidden Beneath Manasbal Lake

SRINAGAR, J&K – The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently completed a significant underwater archaeological investigation at an ancient submerged 9th-Century Temple site within Manasbal Lake in the Ganderbal District of Jammu & Kashmir. This initiative marks the first underwater archaeological exploration in the high-altitude region of North India.

The site features a partially waterlogged temple, constructed from local stones and rare for its location on a Kashmiri lake bank. The structure, believed to be from the 9th century, is distinguished by two pyramidal roofs and remains partially submerged for the majority of the year.

The scientific exploration was undertaken to thoroughly document and assess the architectural remains, which hold historical and cultural importance. The investigation was prompted by instructions from Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Who recently visited the submerged temple.

Team ASI

Advanced Techniques Used for Digital Record

The ASI's dedicated Underwater Archaeology Wing carried out the detailed documentation. The team was led by Prof. Alok Tripathi, ADG, and included technical experts Dr. Aprajita Sharma (ASA) and Dr. Rajkumari Barbina (AA) from ASI, New Delhi.

Using the latest underwater equipment and modern survey techniques, the team created a precise digital record of the monument. Advanced technologies deployed included advanced diving gear, sonar scanning, remotely operated vehicles, and high-resolution underwater cameras. The exploration also involved mapping the lake bed to study potential reasons why the temple became submerged.

Preliminary observations from the exploration indicate the presence of structural remnants that likely belong to an ancient temple complex, potentially shedding light on the historical and cultural development of the region.

The scientific documentation and analysis of the findings are currently underway. This effort is vital for future conservation and virtual reconstruction projects. The ASI’s continued exploration and conservation efforts aim to protect India’s rich underwater cultural heritage, and this study specifically intends to enhance the experience for visitors by making the monument more tourist-friendly.

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Author & Editor: This news is brought to you by Sachin Singh Jadoun, who holds an M.A. in Archaeology and Heritage Management

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Sources:

1. Excelsior, D. (2025, October 12). ASI conducts underwater archaeological investigation at submerged temple. Daily Excelsior. https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/asi-conducts-underwater-archaeological-investigation-at-submerged-temple/
   

2. Underwater archaeological investigation at Ancient Submerged Temple, Manasbal, Kashmir. (2025, October 11). Insight Pulse. https://insightpulse.news/underwater-archaeological-investigation-at-ancient-submerged-temple-manasbal-kashmir/
   

3. गुप्तन. (2025, October 12). Jammu Kashmir: मानसबल झील में डूबे 9वीं सदी का प्राचीन मंदिर अब आएगा दुनिया के सामने, ASI ने की डिजिटल मैपिंग. Amar Ujala. https://www.amarujala.com/jammu-and-kashmir/srinagar/archaeological-study-of-the-ancient-temple-submerged-in-manasbal-2025-10-12
   

4. Merc_Admin. (2025, October 12). J&K: The ancient 9th century temple submerged in Manasbal Lake will now come in front of the world, ASI has done digital mapping - Mercury Times. Mercury Times. https://mercurytimes.in/jk-the-ancient-9th-century-temple-submerged-in-manasbal-lake-will-now-come-in-front-of-the-world-asi-has-done-digital-mapping/