Archive · 19 May 2025
Archaeological Survey Begins in Nagapattinam for Buddhist Monastery Excavation
Imagine a team of archaeologists is starting a treasure hunt in an old town called Nagapattinam!
They're using special tools to find the remains of a very old Buddhist monastery, like using a drone to see what's hidden underground.
This monastery was built long, long ago, by a king named Rajaraja Chola I. They plan to dig up the area to find out more about the monastery.
They are getting permission from the government and have chosen the District Court Complex as their survey location, where the monastery is believed to be.
They'll then begin excavating, hoping to find old treasures.
The government is also funding excavations in other places to learn about their history!
The Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department is conducting a survey in Nagapattinam.
The survey is in preparation for the excavation of the Chudamani Vihara.
The monastery is believed to have been constructed during Rajaraja Chola I's reign.
A drone was used to conduct a survey using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR).
The actual excavation will commence after the Central Advisory Board on Archaeology gives its license.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department
- What
- Survey using LIDAR and drone for excavation of the Chudamani Vihara
- When
- Survey conducted over the past few days, excavation planned after approval.
- Where
- Nagapattinam, at the District Court Complex
- Why
- To explore the potential excavation of the Chudamani Vihara, a Buddhist monastery
- Location
- Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, India
- Purpose
- Survey and excavation of Chudamani Vihara
- Method
- Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and drone survey
- Historical Context
- Monastery believed to be built during Rajaraja Chola I's reign (985-1014 CE)
- Involved Parties
- Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department, French Institute of Pondicherry
- Current Site
- District Court Complex in Nagapattinam
- Funding Source
- Tamil Nadu government (Budget 2025-26)