Marine Archaeological Explorations off Poompuhar, 
East Coast of India

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A.S. Gaur, Sundaresh, Sila Tripati and P Gudigar 
        Marine Archaeology Centre, National Institute of Oceanography 
                          Dona Paula, Goa - 403 004

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Poompuhar is situated (Lat. 11 08 33 N and Long 79 51 31 E) in Nagai
Quaid-e-Milleth District of Tamilnadu where the river Kaveri joins the sea.
Description of this celebrated ancient port town has been noticed in the
ancient Sangam literature (3rd century BC to 4th century AD). A late Sangam
period text Manimekhalai mentions the destruction of the city by the sea.
This is an indirect reference to the coastal erosion and advancement of
shoreline in the past. 

In view of the literary reference underwater exploration was undertaken by
the Marine Archaeology Centre of National Institute of Oceanography, Goa for
four seasons. The present paper summarises the results of recent
explorations carried out in February/March 1997. 

Offshore exploration opposite to the Kaveri mouth brought to light a
disturbed structure buried in sediments. Extensive airlifting, carried out
in the vicinity for ascertaining the size and shape of the structure,
yielded some dressed blocks. One of them measured 90X40X15cm. This is semi
circular in shape with a L-shape cut on it's surface. There is no trace of
any binding material on the blocks as they are heavily eroded. The pottery
collected here includes black and red ware, red ware and a sherd of amphora.

An archaeologically potential site was suggested by geophysical explorations
to the north of Poompuhar off Kadaikkadu. Extensive airlift operation
revealed several stone blocks. Pottery includes the rim of a bowl and jar of
grey ware in a depth of 1m in seabed. 

Exploration was carried out at a U-shaped structure in 23m waters depth.
Airlifting on the southern side of structure suggested a huge deposition of
course grained sand. Chiselling on one of the sections suggests that the
structure was built of laterite. It has an opening towards the north. 
Exploration of the shipwreck also continued and extensive airlifting near
cannon area revealed a large number of wooden planks and copper nails.
Planks buried in deep sediments are well preserved while the exposed planks
are being destroyed by the marine wood borers. A few more lead ingots
punched 'D' below the crown, and 'W:Blachett' were retrieved. 

The findings from the offshore explorations suggest that a part of the
ancient town was affected by the sea in the past. Pottery indicates a
relative date between 3rd century BC and 3rd century AD. Coastal erosion is
a serious problem in this area which needs to be given a high priority while
studying the causes of submergence of ancient port town at Poompuhar.