Tamil Nadu Launches Third Phase of Poompuhar Underwater Exploration

Key facts

• The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) commenced the third phase of underwater archaeological exploration off the coast of Poompuhar in Mayiladuthurai district.
• The exploration was launched by Minister for School Education Rajmohan, who holds the Archaeology portfolio.
• The exploration has been planned for nearly 20 days, considering the pattern of ocean currents and the Northeast monsoon season.
• The team went nearly two kilometres into the sea and dived to a depth of 10 metres to look for structures.
• The previous underwater exploration off the Poompuhar coast was carried out by TNSDA in collaboration with Indian Maritime University in September 2025.
• The earlier exploration used advanced marine exploration instruments including a remotely operated vehicle, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler and multibeam scanner to map the ocean floor.
• Sangam-period literary works such as Pattinappaalai, Silappadikaram and Manimekalai refer to the ancient port city of Poompuhar and its maritime trade with Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and the West.