Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Underwater Finds Reveal Poompuhar’s Ancient Maritime Connections
Poompuhar was an ancient port on the coast of Tamil Nadu.
Some of its remains may now be underwater.
Archaeologists found pieces of pottery on the seabed about two kilometres from shore.
Some pieces look like pottery that came from West Asia, but researchers are still checking what they are and when they were made.
The discovery may help show that people in Poompuhar traded with faraway places.
The team is also looking for old buildings, wells and possibly a shipwreck.
Some ancient remains, including a Buddhist site and a wharf, have also been found on land.
The researchers plan to return to the sea after the monsoon.
Archaeologists recovered pottery fragments, including pieces of a West Asian-style torpedo jar, about 1.8 to 2.2 kilometres off Poompuhar.
The fragments were found in 10–12 metres of water during the third phase of a Tamil Nadu underwater archaeology project.
Researchers say the finds point to long-distance trade, but have not yet given the torpedo-jar fragments a firm date or confirmed where they were made.
The survey is also examining submerged structures, pottery, ring-well fragments and a feature that may be a shipwreck; about 10 per cent of the overall exploration is complete.
The 18-day phase ran from September 6 to September 22, and archaeologists plan to resume work after the monsoon, with the next phase expected in January.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, working with Indian Maritime University, conducted the exploration; archaeologist K Rajan discussed the finds.
- What
- Researchers recovered pottery fragments, including pieces believed to be from a West Asian torpedo jar, and are surveying submerged features.
- When
- The latest 18-day phase ran from September 6 to September 22; the next phase is expected to begin in January after the monsoon.
- Where
- In 10–12 metres of water about 1.8 to 2.2 kilometres off Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The project aims to map the ancient port and its installations, investigate possible shipwrecks, and study changes in sea levels and the Cauvery’s course.
- Distance from shore
- About 1.8 to 2.2 kilometres
- Water depth
- 10–12 metres
- Find
- Pottery fragments, including pieces believed to be from a West Asian torpedo jar
- Latest exploration phase
- September 6–22; 18 days
- Project progress
- About 10 per cent of the overall underwater exploration has been completed
- Next phase
- Expected to begin in January, after the monsoon
- Funding announced
- The 2025–26 Tamil Nadu Budget earmarked Rs 7 crore for archaeological excavations and scientific research