{
  "id": 9871747,
  "title": "Tamil links to West Asia: What underwater excavations in Chola capital reveal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/tamil-links-to-west-asia-what-underwater-excavations-in-chola-capital",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-26T00:36:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/poompuhar-excavation-west-asia-jar-chola-port-tamil-nadu-10893973/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Underwater excavations near the ancient Chola port city of Poompuhar, located off the Tamil Nadu coast, have uncovered new evidence of the settlement's maritime connections. The 18-day exploration, carried out by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) and the Indian Maritime University, recovered a fragment of a West Asian \"torpedo jar,\" four terracotta ring wells, and over 250 ceramic fragments. Poompuhar, situated at the mouth of the 800-km-long Cauvery River, is believed to have been the capital of the early Cholas and a bustling trade hub during the Chola period. The fine ceramic jar found is approximately 30-35 cm in diameter and provides proof of Poompuhar's trade links with West Asia and the Mediterranean world. The discovery of ring wells and other structures suggests the ancient city extended beyond the current shoreline.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Underwater excavations near Poompuhar reveal maritime connections.",
    "Fragment of West Asian torpedo jar found, 30-35 cm in diameter.",
    "Discovery suggests city extended beyond current shoreline."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The underwater excavations in Poompuhar strengthen the evidence of ancient trade connections between Tamil Nadu and West Asia, highlighting the city's significance as a maritime hub in the Chola period.",
  "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."
}