Ancient West Asian artefacts discovered off Tamil Nadu coast

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology has recovered significant artefacts during the third phase of its underwater archaeological survey off the Poompuhar coast in Mayiladuthurai district. Among the discoveries is a broken piece of a torpedo jar, believed to have originated in West Asia during the early historic period, indicating ancient maritime trade connections between the region and distant lands.

The survey team also identified four ancient ring wells at the site, each measuring between 60 and 65 centimetres in diameter. These structures have sparked considerable interest among researchers studying the area's historical geography and settlement patterns.

According to findings presented by the department's scientists, the presence of these ring wells suggests that a palaeochannel—an ancient riverbed—may have existed at the location. Such channels are key indicators of past water systems that would have supported human habitation and agricultural activities in the region during ancient times.

The discoveries add to growing evidence of Poompuhar's significance as a major port and trading hub in the ancient Tamil world. The combined findings from this phase of the survey underscore the area's strategic importance in facilitating commerce and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean during antiquity.