Exciting and significant news has emerged regarding ‘Poompuhar’, an ancient and historic port city in Tamil Nadu. Established by the early Chola dynasty and subsequently submerged in the sea centuries ago due to tsunamis and coastal erosion, this ancient city is once again the subject of discussion.
Why has this city suddenly returned to the limelight? The answer lies in a recent two-week intensive underwater exploration conducted by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department in the Bay of Bengal. During this mission, scientists and researchers uncovered invaluable evidence testifying to the city’s glorious history and ancient trade connections. What was discovered beneath the sea?
Reports indicate that more than 200 pottery shards and images of ancient structures were found at a depth of two kilometers off the coast. Notably, ‘torpedo jars’ were also discovered during this expedition. These were long, narrow vessels used in ancient times to transport wine and other goods within the Persian Gulf trade network.
Evidence of Connections to Iran and the Gangetic Plains
Additionally, glazed pottery—smooth, polished earthenware—was found, pointing to trade relations with ancient Iran. Furthermore, the discovery of ‘paddle-impressed pottery’ suggests that Poompuhar’s trade network extended as far as the Gangetic plains. Researchers also unearthed limestone remnants that may be linked to the famous Buddhist relics of Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh.
A Mysterious Oval Structure and the Story of Ancient History
It is worth noting that back in 1991, researchers had identified a large structure at a depth of 23 meters, approximately 5.5 kilometers off the coast. It was later discovered to be an oval-shaped structure—40 meters long and 16 meters wide—constructed from large stone blocks and rising 2.5 meters above the seabed.
It is also worth noting that this ancient city—known as Kaveripattinam or Kaveripoompattinam—is mentioned in the famous Tamil epics *Silappathikaram* and *Manimekalai*. Furthermore, it appears in Greco-Roman historical records under the name ‘Kaboris Emporium’.
Now, consider how this city came to be submerged in the sea.
According to archaeologists and geologists, this city, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, gradually sank beneath the waves due to a massive tsunami and continuous coastal erosion. A prime example of this is the ‘Ellaiamman Temple’ in Vanagiri; while it was in use until 1991, it is now submerged in seawater, located 100 meters out from the current shoreline.
