T.N. launches third phase of underwater archaeological exploration off Poompuhar coast

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

Minister for School Education Rajmohan, who also holds the Archaeology portfolio, launched the underwater archaeological exploration at Poompuhar along with Director of Archaeology V.P. Jayaseelan, renowned archaeologist and scholar K. Rajan, former Joint Director of the TNSDA R. Sivanantham, and Joint Director (in-charge) V.P. 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 the team set out to sea on a mechanised boat from a village between Thirumullaivasal and Poompuhar, went nearly two kilometres into the sea and dived to a depth of 10 metres to look for structures. He also said the visibility was relatively limited underwater.

Considering the pattern of ocean currents and the upcoming northeast monsoon season, the experts have planned to conduct the underwater exploration off the Poompuhar coast for nearly 20 days. This was the first time an underwater archaeological exploration had been carried out off the Poompuhar coast after the new government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay assumed office.

During the previous DMK regime, the underwater archaeological exploration off the Poompuhar coast was carried out by the TNSDA in collaboration with Indian Maritime University in September 2025. A team of archaeological experts conducted the exploration last year using advanced marine exploration instruments, including a remotely operated vehicle, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler and multibeam scanner, to map the ocean floor.

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