A view of illuminated Egmore Museum in Chennai.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu Archives
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarau on Friday (March 14, 2025) said in continuation of the government’s effort to showcase the excellence of Tamil culture to the world, archaeological excavations would be carried out at Keezhadi in Sivaganga district, Pattanamarudur in Thoothukudi district, Karivalamvanthanallur in Tenkasi district, Nagapattinam in Nagapattinam district, Manikkollai in Cuddalore district, Adichanur in Kallakurichi district, Vellalur in Coimbatore district, and Thelunganur in Salem district in the coming financial year 2025-26.
Presenting the budget for 2025 in the Assembly, he said the journey in search of the cultural identities of ancient Tamils had also expanded to the neighbouring states of Palur (Odisha), Vengi (Andhra Pradesh) and Maski (Karnataka).
“The archaeological artefacts unearthed during excavations will undergo advanced technological analyses, including Ancient DNA analysis, Metallurgical analysis, Micro Botany, Pollen analysis, Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating, and Ceramic Technology, in collaboration with world-renowned research institutions. A sum of Rs.7 crore will be earmarked for archaeological excavations and scientific research in the coming financial year,” he said.
Deep-sea archaeological excavation
The Minister said a series of deep-sea archaeological excavations along the coast of Tamil Nadu were being planned to bring out the maritime trade excellence of the ancient Tamils with Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean region, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Roman Empire. “In the first phase, a comprehensive deep-sea excavation will be carried out this year from Kaveripoompattinam to Nagapattinam, in consultation with renowned archaeologists and supported by leading technological institutions,” he said.
The Minister said the government firmly believed that showcasing the archaeological artifacts unearthed across Tamil Nadu through state-of-the-art museums equipped with advanced technological facilities would effectively proclaim the glory of Tamil culture to the world in a befitting manner.
In this regard, focusing on the 13 Kodumanal excavations, a ‘Noyyal Museum’ will be established in Erode district at an estimated cost of ₹22 crore, and to highlight the maritime trade excellence of the Pandyas during the Sangam period, a ‘Naavaai Museum’ will be established in Ramanathapuram district at an estimated cost of ₹21 crore.
Indus Valley Cultural Gallery
An ‘Indus Valley Cultural Gallery’ will be established at the Egmore Museum in Chennai to commemorate the centenary of the Indus Valley Civilization discovery. “Moreover, with a view to showcasing the uniqueness of antiquity and continuity of Tamil heritage to tourists visiting Tamil Nadu from other states and around the world, Tamil Cultural Museums will be created in Mamallapuram and Thiruvannamalai,” he said.
The Egmore Museum housed over two thousand bronze statues, meticulously crafted from Aimpon (an alloy of five metals) by the great master artisans of the past. “To showcase these sculptural masterpieces that are renowned for their serene expressions, elegant postures, and intricate mudras, a gallery with traditional architectural design will be constructed within the museum complex at an estimated cost of ₹40 crore, ensuring an immersive experience that will captivate the international visitors,” he said.
Published – March 14, 2025 11:05 am IST
