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Relevance: GS-I (Ancient History & Culture) | Source: The Indian Express
The News: Divers exploring the Tamil Nadu coast have found actual physical proof of Poompuhar—the legendary lost city of the Chola Empire. Now sitting on the ocean floor, this ancient port proves that India was a global trading superpower thousands of years ago.
1. Clues on the Ocean Floor
Just two kilometers off today’s coastline, the seabed is covered in ancient history.
- The Sinking Proof: Divers found freshwater “ring wells” buried directly into the ocean floor. Since people only dig wells on dry land, this is undeniable proof that the ocean swallowed what used to be a living, breathing city.
- Middle Eastern Pottery: Archaeologists also pulled up fragments of “torpedo jars.” These are distinct, bullet-shaped clay pots from West Asia, proving that Middle Eastern merchants regularly sailed across the ocean to trade here.
2. Ancient Poems Come to Life
The most exciting part of this discovery is that it perfectly matches the stories written in ancient Tamil poetry.
- Foreign Neighborhoods: Famous ancient texts, like the Silappathikaram, describe Poompuhar as a wealthy, bustling city. They specifically mention the “Yavanas”—a term used for Greeks, Romans, and Mediterranean foreigners—living in special seaside neighborhoods filled with imported luxury goods.
- A Massive Trade Network: Poompuhar wasn’t acting alone. It was part of a massive ancient supply chain, alongside other legendary Indian ports like Muziris (in Kerala), linking India directly to the Roman Empire.
Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding ancient Indian maritime history:
- In ancient Sangam literature, the term “Yavana” was primarily used to describe foreign merchants arriving from Southeast Asia.
- The ancient port city of Poompuhar served as the primary coastal capital of the early Chola dynasty.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Hint: Statement 1 is incorrect because the term “Yavana” originally referred to Greeks (Ionians) and other Mediterranean foreigners, not Southeast Asians. Statement 2 is correct; Poompuhar (also known as Kaveripoompattinam) was the celebrated port capital of the early Cholas.
Hint: Statement 1 is incorrect because the term “Yavana” originally referred to Greeks (Ionians) and other Mediterranean foreigners, not Southeast Asians. Statement 2 is correct; Poompuhar (also known as Kaveripoompattinam) was the celebrated port capital of the early Cholas.
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