Pattinamaruthur relics an indicator of trade hub

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

- S GODSON WISELY DASS @Thoothukudi

Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Friday had announced an archaeological excavation at Pattinamaruthur in the budget for 2025-26.

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.