Antiques collected from east Thoothukudi coast suggest existence of vibrant ancient trade centre

SIGNALLING potential for an archaeological expedition, antiques collected from Pattinamaruthur village near Tharuvaikulam along the east coast of Thoothukudi indicates existence of a vibrant trade centre at par with Korkai on the banks of Thamirabarani River.

- S GODSON WISELY DASS @Thoothukudi

Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Friday had announced an archaeological excavation at Pattinamaruthur in the state Budget for FY2025-26.

The Pattinamaruthur archaeological site was exposed by an enthusiast P Rajesh (46), who collected a number of artefacts during his search for an old Perumal temple at Tharuvaikulam. According to Rajesh, he had collected artefacts, including potteries, metal ornaments, conch ornaments, stone tools, terracotta pipeline, iron foundry, casting scraps and ceramic wares from 300 acres of area in Pattinamaruthur and other nearby villages of Kalmedu, Melamaruthur, Samathuvapuram and Tharuvaikulam.