150 acres mapped for excavation at Pattinamarudhur

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has mapped 150 acres through drone survey for the excavation at Pattinamarudhur village and the process is expected to begin at the site shortly.

Pattinamarudhur near Tharuvaikulam has been under the radar of TNSDA since last year’s budget announcement that archaeological excavation would be carried out in the coastal village along with a few other sites across Tamil Nadu.

P. Rajesh, an archaeology enthusiast from Thoothukudi, discovered several significant artifacts in Pattinamarudhur since March 2023. He continuously documented his findings and submitted them to the district administration. He collected artifacts including pottery, shell bangles, beads of conch and gem, poetry scraps and petrified fossils.

He said that with the help of local villagers he discovered artifacts in Therku Kalmedu village, 3.7 km west of the Pattinamarudhur site and Panayur of Kulathur south village.

Based on his findings at Panaiyur, Thoothukudi Collector K. Elambahavath had written to Zoological Survey of India to conduct a proper survey to ascertain the truth about underwent structures and marine fossils such as oysters and shells.

In response to his letter, three scientists from Zoological Survey of India conducted surveys at Panaiyur of Kulathur south village and Pattinamarudhur recently.

Mr. Rajesh said that earlier many villagers in the regions were unaware of the historical importance of the artifacts, they were now reporting even small objects that they come across while digging.

Pointing out that the mapped site at Pattinamarudhur had not been fenced or protected, he expressed concern that the movement of earthmovers and other heavy vehicles could inadvertently damage the artifacts. “TNSDA has been delaying the excavation, which was earlier scheduled to begin in January. It was first postponed to January-end and is now being deferred to next month.”

Given the significance of the site, steps must be taken to expedite the excavation process, he added.

An official from TNSDA told The Hindu that while around 150 acres had been mapped for the excavation, additional lands would be acquired from the villagers if required.