T.N. launches third phase of underwater archaeological exploration off Poompuhar coast
The exploration has been planned for nearly 20 days, after the team took into consideration the ocean currents’ patterns and Northeast monsoon. The last survey was carried out in September 2025
The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) launched the third phase of underwater archaeological exploration off the coast of Poompuhar, an ancient Tamil port city, on Sunday. The launch ceremony took place in Mayiladuthurai district, where Minister for School Education Rajmohan, Director of Archaeology V.P. Jayaseelan, renowned archaeologist K. Rajan, former Joint Director R. Sivanantham, and Joint Director V.P.
Yathees Kumar inaugurated the project. The team also participated in a dive, accompanied by trained divers and archaeologists. Jayaseelan revealed that the team ventured nearly two kilometres into the sea, descending to a depth of 10 metres to search for underwater structures. The limited underwater visibility prompted the experts to plan the exploration for roughly 20 days, factoring in ocean currents and the upcoming northeast monsoon season.
This marks the first underwater archaeological exploration off the Poompuhar coast since the new government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, took office. In contrast to the previous DMK regime, the current exploration is a standalone initiative by the TNSDA. Historical texts from the Sangam period, such as Pattinappaalai, Silappadikaram, and Manimekalai, as well as post-Sangam literature, mention Poompuhar, its settlements, and the extensive maritime trade conducted with Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and the West.
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