State to hold excavations in Korkai
The Hindu
Oceanographic experts’ guidance will be sought, says Minister
With the ancient port town of the Pandya kingdom, Korkai, yielding artefacts, proving its maritime trade connections with Rome, China and Egypt, the State government is taking steps to conduct archaeological excavations here, with guidance from oceanographic experts, Minister for Industries, Tamil Culture and Archaeology Thangam Thennarasu has said.
Speaking to reporters in Korkai on Tuesday after reviewing the ongoing excavations, Mr. Thennarasu said excavations in Korkai, with guidance from oceanographic experts, was necessary to prove the town’s age and incomparable rich culture. The ancient port town had yielded several artefacts to prove its maritime business contacts with China, Rome and Egypt during the earlier excavations, he said.
Remains of houses, drainage pipes, conch bangles, baked tiles, iron coins and pots, among other things, have been recovered from the site, revealing it to be the cradle of a rich civilisation even in 785 BCE.