Maritime Archaeology and Chola Trade Dynamics: Deciphering Underwater Finds off Poompuhar

The ongoing underwater archaeological exploration at Poompuhar—the legendary port city of the Chola dynasty—has yielded significant artifacts, including West Asian pottery fragments and ancient terracotta wells. These findings are crucial in reconstructive history, providing tangible links to the economic and cultural connectivity that defined the Chola period. Poompuhar, often identified with the Sangam-era 'Kaveripoompattinam,' was a vital entrepôt in the ancient world, facilitating trade that stretched from the Roman Empire to Southeast Asia and the West Asian regions. From a historical perspective, these findings corroborate literary accounts found in Sangam literature and the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, which describe the bustling trade of pepper, textiles, and gemstones. The presence of West Asian pottery at these submerged sites suggests a sophisticated level of integration between South Indian mercantile guilds and global trade routes, underscoring that ancient India was a hub of international commerce long before the era of modern globalization. The discovery of terracotta wells also provides insight into the urban planning and resource management practices of the time, revealing how such a significant coastal civilization addressed water security and urban infrastructure challenges.