Head of a bull - A stone artefact discovered during excavation at the site of Poompuhar. | Photo Credit: Twitter

Key Highlights Puhar, in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, until just a century ago, was thought by many to be nothing more than a myth Known by many names like Puhar, Kaveripoompattinam, Poompuhar and Kaveripattinam, mentions of the port city are found across a range of sources Now geologists and marine archaeologists are able to ratify the claim that a tsunami likely wiped away the port city sometime during the 3rd century BCE

For the first time since the ancient port city of Poompuhar disappeared from history over a 1,000 years ago, will we now get a glimpse of what Greek philosopher, Ptolemy once described in his work, 'Geographia'. Researchers at the Department of Science and Technology are working towards digitally re-constructing the city based on the detailed narrations present in Sangam Tamil literature. The study also incorporates “underwater surveys and photography by remotely operated vehicles and sea bed drilling, remote sensing-based geodynamic studies to bring out comprehensive information on the time series evolution and extinction,” according to officials at the DST.

Puhar, in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, until just a century ago, was thought by many to be nothing more than a myth. However, extensive underwater excavations and studies by researchers and historians have now allowed them to piece together varied connections that may be able to reveal the full story of this 2,000-year-old port.





Known by many names like Puhar, Kaveripoompattinam, Poompuhar and Kaveripattinam, mentions of the port city are found across a range of sources from the epics of the Tamil Sangam era, travelogues by merchants of the first century, and even the works of Ptolemy. Now believed to be one of the most prominent port cities of the early Chola kingdom, located where the Kaveri river meets the Bay of Bengal, the once-bustling port city acted as the setting for numerous Sangam tales. Then, all of a sudden, it is completely wiped away from history.

The epic Sangam poem, 'Silappadikaram' is one source that discusses the demise of the city. The poem speaks of a Chola king, who, gripped by sadness at the death of his son, forgets to celebrate Indra Vizha (the annual festival celebrating the rain god, Indra). Puhar pays the ultimate price for this, becoming “swallowed by the sea.”

Now geologists and marine archaeologists are able to ratify the claim that a tsunami likely wiped away the port city sometime during the third century BCE. Underwater excavations began as far back as the 1970s, revealing stone and brick structures consistent with the architecture of the early Cholas. Copper coins adorned with tiger emblem of the Cholas have also, since, been discovered.

Some historians have contended that Puhar's importance as a port city began to wane following the fall of the early Cholas, and the rise of the Pallavas. When the Pallavas reigned, trade shifted northwards to the city of Mahabalipuram. However, a Chola revival would see Puhar renamed as Kaveripattinam but never flourish the way it once did.

The latest effort to revive the life of the once-great port city, is part of the DST's Indian Digital Heritage Project.



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