Stone Anchors of Tamilnadu Coast 

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P. Jayakumar 
    Dept. of Epigraphy and Archaeology Tamil University, 
Thanjavur-613005

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Tamil Nadu coast had a glorious past of maritime history beginning with the
Sangam Age. This coast was frequently visited by the merchants from China,
Arabia and Southeast Asian countries during the medieval period under the
patronage of Cholas and Pandyas. These facts are well attested by the
epigraphical and archaeological findings found in Tamil Nadu and outside the
country. To substantiate these trade activities through ships recently a few
stone anchors have been found along Turicorin and Rameswaram regions. This
paper attempts to highlight the description, typology, chronology and the
historical importance of these stone anchors.