Overview

• Tamil Nadu’s archaeology department began undersea explorations off Poompuhar on September 19 in partnership with the Indian Maritime University.
• The mission is led by archaeologist K. Rajan and TNSDA joint director R. Sivanantham, with divers using side-scan sonar, echo sounders, ROVs and sub-bottom profilers.
• Fieldwork is planned for roughly 10 days on the east coast, with results to follow after collation and analysis of the datasets.
• Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu announced the launch on X as part of the DMK government’s heritage push, and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin publicly endorsed the effort.
• Previous investigations in 1981 and 1991 and a 2023 Bharathidasan University study reported submerged brickwork, pottery, pier walls and signs of a harbour, settlements and shipyards at 50–100 meters.