Chennai, 20 September (IANS) Tamil Nadu State Archeology Department, along with Indian Marine University, Archaeological Department has began an archaeological exploration under a water at Pumpuhar in Mayiladuturai district, historically known as Kavaripumpumptinum.
The objective of the project is to highlight the physical evidence of one of the most famous ancient port cities in Tamil history.
Pumpuhar Sangam literature is at a prominent place in post-struggle epics, and inscriptions are inscriptions as a rich center of maritime trade under Chola, Chera and Pandya dynasties.
The port city is often described as an entrance for foreign commerce, cultural exchange and maritime expansion in ancient texts.
Despite its frequent mention in Tamil literary sources, large parts of its historical landscape remain buried under the sea, after coastal erosion and submergence for centuries.
Of archaeologist. The new initiative directed by Rajan will focus on the operation of underwater surveys and explorations arranged to identify the residues of ancient settlements, port structures and business related activity.
TNSDA Joint Director R. R. Shivantham is involved, as well as with technical experts of archeology and marine studies, bring an interdisciplinary approach to work.
Announcing the project, Tamil Nadu Finance and Archeology Minister Thangam Thenarasu said that the state government is committed to documentation and performing Tamil history through harsh scientific methods.
“This initiative is a step to bring the cultural heritage of Tamils to light and put it firmly on the global map,” he said.
He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin, the government has given priority to support the projects that detect the antiquity and continuity of Tamil civilization.
Officials said that the findings of underwater studies are expected to attain significant insights in the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of the ancient Tamil society.
The exploration will also help add the role of the region in international maritime trade together, especially its relationship with Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean Sea and beyond.
By marrying literary traditions with archaeological evidence, the project wants to provide a more comprehensive picture of the sea heritage of Tamil civilization.
Scholars believe that results can not only deepen historical understanding, but can also confirm the importance of Pumpuhar as one of the great ports of the ancient world.
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Aal/svn