TNSDA archaeologists and a four-member team of trained divers from the Indian Maritime University participated in the survey, which took place off the coast between Thirumullaivasal and Neithavasal. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archeology (TNSDA) has concluded the first phase of an underwater archaeological survey off the coast of Poompuhar in Mayiladuthurai district.
The ancient port city of the Sangam era was once known as Kaveripoompattinam. The survey was aimed at identifying potential archaeological remains submerged in the Bay of Bengal.
Visibility underwater
R. Sivanantham, joint director of TNSDA, said the survey was carried out by a team of 10 divers, which began on September 20 and continued for 12 days between 10 am and 3 pm.
The team surveyed the seabed down to a depth of 23 meters using advanced sea survey instruments, including a remotely operated vehicle, a side-by-side sonar, a bottom profiler and a multi-beam scanner. These instruments have helped map the ocean floor and reveal structural anomalies, he said.
The team explored the seabed down to a depth of 23 meters using advanced marine survey instruments. These instruments helped map the ocean floor and reveal structural anomalies. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The survey was conducted with the logistical support of local fishermen. The team went out to sea in mechanized boats and then used smaller fiber boats to reach survey sites. TNSDA conducted a 10-day underwater survey at Korkai in Thoothukudi district in 2022 using Sagar Tara, an offshore research vessel of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
TNSDA archaeologists and a four-member team of trained divers from the Indian Maritime University participated in the survey, which took place off the coast between Thirumullaivasal and Neithavasal. Before that, they went through a special training program run by a private agency. Divers and experts have been examining the seabed to identify anomalies and determine whether they are natural features or man-made remains associated with an ancient port city.
‘Data is being analyzed’
Mr. Sivanantham said the team traced several underwater sites identified by veteran archaeologist SR Rao, who conducted a similar survey off the Poompuhar coast nearly three decades ago. “We are now analyzing the data collected during this phase. Due to sea conditions, the survey could not be carried out continuously across the entire stretch. The department plans to conduct one more phase of survey when conditions are favorable,” he added.
Published – 20 Oct 2025 00:08 IST
