TN begins third phase of underwater archaeological survey off Poompuhar coast

Archeology Minister Rajmohan with a team of archaeological experts at the launch of the third phase of underwater archaeological survey off the coast of Poompuhar coast in Mayiladuthurai district on Sunday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

In another step forward in tracing the maritime trade links of ancient Tamils, the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archeology (TNSDA) on Sunday launched the third phase of an underwater archaeological survey off the coast of Poompuhar, an ancient port city once known as Kaveripoompattinam, in Mayiladuthurai district.

School Education Minister Rajmohan, who also holds the Archeology portfolio, launched the underwater archaeological survey at Poompuhar along with Director of Archeology VP Jayaseelan, renowned archaeologist and scientist K. Rajan, former TNSDA Joint Director R. Sivanantham and Joint Director (in-charge) VP Yathees Kumar.

Mr. Rajmohan and Mr. Jayaseelan also dived into the sea along with a team of trained divers and archaeologists. Mr. Jayaseelan told The Hindu that the team went out to sea in a mechanized boat from a village between Thirumullaivasal and Poompuhar, went nearly two kilometers into the sea and dived to a depth of 10 meters to search for the structures. He also said visibility was quite limited underwater.

Considering the ocean current pattern and the upcoming northeast monsoon season, experts are planning to conduct an underwater survey off the Poompuhar coast for nearly 20 days. It was the first time that an underwater archaeological survey was conducted off the coast of Poompuhar after the new government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay assumed office.

During the previous DMK regime, an underwater archaeological survey was conducted off the coast of Poompuhar by TNSDA in collaboration with the Indian Maritime University in September 2025. A team of archaeological experts conducted the survey last year using advanced marine survey instruments, including a remotely operated vehicle, a side-scan sonar, a bottom profiler for mapping the ocean floor and a multi-beam scanner.

Several literary works of the Sangam period, including Pattinappaalai, Silapadikaram and Manimekalai, as well as post-Sangam literature, contain references to the ancient port city of Poompuhar, its settlements and maritime trade that flourished with Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and the West.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 22:57 IST