Chennai, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : Efforts to unveil Tamil Nadu‘s ancient maritime history are set to gain momentum. The state’s archaeology department is preparing to submit reports on underwater surveys conducted in Korkai and Poompuhar by February next year.
These reports will analyze sonar surveys conducted near the Korkai-Ajangan Kulam coast and the results from the third phase of ongoing underwater exploration in Poompuhar, located in the Mayiladuthurai district. Once the Korkai report is reviewed and approved, archaeologists will carry out diving operations to confirm potential structures and artifacts found beneath the sea.
According to officials, the geographical identification survey in Korkai was carried out nearly two years ago in collaboration with the Indian Maritime University. Advanced tools such as multi-beam echo sounders, side-scan sonar systems, and sub-bottom profilers were employed to detect possible archaeological items underwater. The side-scan sonar survey has already been completed.
Officials noted that sonar images alone are insufficient to determine whether the discovered items are remnants of an ancient port. Diving expeditions are necessary to ascertain if the structures include shipwrecks, buildings, or other archaeological finds buried beneath the seabed.
Currently, about 10 percent of the entire project has been completed. After the initial survey indicated greater potential in Poompuhar, it was prioritized for exploration. Previous findings in Poompuhar included pottery and shipwrecks, although photographic documentation of these artifacts has been limited. The aim of the new operation is to improve the photographic and visual documentation of items found underwater.
Historically, Korkai was one of the most significant ports during the Sangam era and a vital maritime hub for the Pandya dynasty. It had trade connections with the Roman Empire and was renowned for pearl fishing. Excavations conducted in 1968-69 uncovered artifacts, shell-cutting workshops, and facilities for processing pearl oysters. Terracotta lamps related to weaving and hunting, as well as bone tools, were also discovered.
Archaeologists believe that the underwater investigation could further enhance these findings and provide new insights into ancient Tamil maritime trade, navigation, and trading relations in the Indian Ocean.
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