{
  "id": 9159870,
  "title": "Torpedo jar fragment, ring wells found in underwater archaeological exploration off the Poompuhar coast in Mayiladuthurai district",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/torpedo-jar-fragment-ring-wells-found-in-underwater-archaeological",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-22T16:21:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/torpedo-jar-fragment-ring-wells-found-in-underwater-archaeological-exploration-off-the-poompuhar-coast-in-mayiladuthuraidistrict/article71496643.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a groundbreaking underwater archaeological discovery off the Poompuhar coast in Tamil Nadu, a fragment of a torpedo jar believed to have originated from West Asia during the early historic period has been unearthed by Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) experts. The fragment, found at a depth of approximately 10 meters and around two kilometers from the coast, between Poompuhar and Thirumullaivasal, is a unique find – the first of its kind discovered underwater off Poompuhar.\n\nTorpedo jars, characterized by their cylindrical body and narrow mouth, were traditionally used for transporting liquid commodities like wine or oil via ships. The fragment, made of a fine ceramic variety, suggests the complete jar could have had a diameter of 30 cm to 35 cm. Its shape indicates it was used to prevent the contents from spilling during transport.\n\nThe discovery was made during the third phase of the survey, launched by TNSDA Joint Director V.P. Yathees Kumar on September 6 and concluded on September 22, 2026, covering nearly two square kilometers. Over 250 ceramic pieces, including glazed ware, were also recovered during the exploration. Additionally, four ancient ring wells with diameters ranging from 60 cm to 65 cm were found, suggesting the presence of a palaeochannel at the location.\n\nThese findings are significant in the context of ongoing changes to the Poompuhar coast and sea floor due to erosion. The TNSDA plans to conduct further detailed investigations.",
  "summary": "A broken piece of a torpedo jar, believed to have been brought from West Asia during the early historic period, has been found by archaeologists of the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology during the third phase of the survey. The archaeologists also found four ancient ring wells with diameters ranging from 60 cm to 65 cm. According to Mr. Kumar, the discovery of the ring wells indicates…",
  "key_points": [
    "Torpedo jar fragment from West Asia discovered underwater off Poompuhar coast",
    "Fragment, 30-35 cm diameter, first of its kind found underwater in region",
    "Four ancient ring wells, 60-65 cm diameter, indicate paleochannel presence"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}