GENERAL INFORMATION

A coin engraved with the karpagatharu or the divine tree that is capable of giving everything was also unearthed. In the Vellaiyan Iruppu area an ancient Roman copper coin were dug up. Copper coins with the inscription of Rajaraja were also found during this excavation. Copper idols of Buddha in meditation and green beads, shells, and glass bangles were the other items excavated. A gold-coated copper statue of the Buddha in a Bothi Sathuva Maithreya or meditative posture was found at Melaiyur in 1927. This is believed to belong to the 8th century. Recently the Archaeological Department of Tamil Nadu has discovered the remains of several buildings of this period. The National Institute of Oceanography, Goa and the Archaeological Department of Tamil Nadu have undertaken the offshore exploration of Poompuhar. The ancient Pricelen remains are exhibited in the Marine Archaeological Museum at Poompuhar. (Time 10. a.m to 5.45 p.m - Entrance Fee Rs 5/- and rs 50/- for Foreigners). POOMPUHAR AGAIN After the Chola period a major part of the Poompuhar town submerged in the Bay of Bengal. Though Poompuhar became a prey to the sea, a few small villages still remain and bear silent witness to the cruelty of times. Thirusaikadu or Sayavanam, Pallavaneeswaram, Melapperumpallam, Keelaperumpallam, Keezaiyur and Vanagiri are the remains of ancient Poompuhar that exist today. The Tamil Nadu Government has taken steps to reproduce the glory of thus submerged and scattered ancient town on the basis of historical evidence and literary references that exist. In 1973 Kalaingnar Dr. M. Karunanidhi, the Honourable Ex Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at that time, gave a crystallised form to redeeming this lost town, by asking that the archaeologists reproduce the town based on literary evidence available. Several symbolic monuments were raised. Sillappathikara Art Gallery, Ilanji Manram, Pavaimanram, Nedungal Manram and Kotrappandal found their existence, and remain today to attract visitors, with their artistic splendour.