TN CM M K Stalin Launches Undersea Excavation to Uncover Chola Civilization

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Saturday celebrated the launch of undersea excavations at Poompuhar, the early Chola capital, as a pivotal step to unveil the submerged splendour of an ancient Tamil civilisation. Describing it as a sequel to the groundbreaking Keezhadi digs, Stalin emphasised that the project would spotlight the "pride of flourishing Poompuhar" to the world, reinforcing the state's commitment to unearthing its rich maritime heritage through scientific exploration.

The deep-sea survey, initiated on September 19 between Poompuhar—ancient Kaveripoompattinam in present-day Mayiladuthurai district—and Nagapattinam, a mediaeval trade nexus with Southeast Asian ties, is a collaboration between the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department and the Indian Maritime University.

This marks the first major undersea probe since 1991, building on a 1981 preliminary survey that uncovered brick structures, pottery shards, and pier remnants in the intertidal zone. A 2023 Bharathidasan University study further revealed a vast underwater port city, complete with harbours, settlements, and shipyards at depths of 50-100 metres, hinting at a bustling hub from the Sangam era around 2,500 years ago.

Stalin's remarks on X responded to Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, who oversees archaeology and announced the start of the exploration. Thennarasu hailed it as a dive into "the history of Tamils... beneath the sea," noting Poompuhar's fame in Sangam and post-Sangam literature as a thriving seaport. He later thanked the Chief Minister for backing efforts to globalise Tamil antiquity via archaeology and research.

The expedition, led by Archaeologist K. Rajan and Joint Director R. Sivanantham, deploys divers with cutting-edge tools to map anomalies, potentially yielding artefacts that parallel Keezhadi's urban finds—evidence of advanced industries, trade, and literacy near Madurai.

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Poompuhar's submersion, attributed to coastal erosion and possible tsunamis around the 1st century CE, has long captivated historians, with Tamil epics like Silappatikaram immortalising its opulence. This initiative, amid rising sea levels threatening coastal sites, aligns with national underwater archaeology pushes, like the ASI's efforts at Dwarka.

By bridging land and sea narratives, the project could reshape understandings of Chola maritime dominance, which facilitated spice and gem trades across the Indian Ocean. As divers delve deeper, Tamil Nadu anticipates revelations that not only affirm its cultural primacy but also inspire global interest in submerged histories.

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