TN Govt plans a series of deep-sea archaeological excavations along the coast -

The Tamil Nadu government plans a series of deep-sea archaeological excavations along the coast of the State to bring out the maritime trade excellence of the ancient Tamils with Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean region, the Arabian Peninsula and the Roman Empire.

In the first phase, a comprehensive deep-sea excavation will be carried out this year from Kaveripoompattinam to Nagapattinam, in consultation with renowned archaeologists and supported by leading technological institutions, State Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu announced while presenting the Budget Estimates for the year 2025-26 to the Legislative Assembly on Friday.

“Our Government is working tirelessly to establish the antiquity of Tamil culture not only in the field of literature and history, but also through archaeological excavations in a scientific manner that is accredited by the academic community,” TN’s Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu.

The government will be showcasing archaeological artifacts unearthed across Tamil Nadu in museums equipped with advanced technological facilities, highlighting the cultural heritage. In this regard, a Noyyal Museum will be established in Erode district at an estimated cost of ₹22 crore, focusing on the Kodumanal excavations. Naavaai Museum will be established in Ramanathapuram district highlighting the maritime trade excellence of the Pandyas during the Sangam period at an estimated cost of ₹21 crore.

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An Indus Valley Cultural Gallery will be established at the Egmore Museum in Chennai to commemorate the centenary of the Indus Valley Civilisation discovery. Further, to showcase the uniqueness of ancient roots and legacy of Tamil heritage to tourists, Tamil Cultural Museums will be created in Mamallapuram and Thiruvannamalai, the Minister said.

In continuation of these efforts, archaeological excavations in Tamil Nadu will be carried out at Keezhadi in Sivaganga district, Pattanamarudur in Thoothukudi district, Karivalamvanthanallur in Tenkasi district, Nagapattinam in Nagapattinam district, Manikkollai in Cuddalore district, Adichanur in Kallakurichi district, Vellalur in Coimbatore district, and Thelunganur in Salem district in the coming financial year 2025-26.

The journey in search of the cultural identities of ancient Tamils has also expanded to the neighbouring states of Palur (Odisha), Vengi (Andhra Pradesh) and Maski (Karnataka).

The archaeological artifacts unearthed during excavations will undergo advanced technological analysis, including Ancient DNA analysis, Metallurgical analysis, Micro Botany, Pollen analysis, Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating, and Ceramic Technology, in collaboration with world-renowned research institutions. A sum of ₹7 crore will be earmarked for archaeological excavations and scientific research in the coming financial year, the Minister added.