Poompuhar, a 2,000-year-old port city built by the Cholas was lost beneath the sea; new study finds ancient Tamils had trade links with Persian Gulf and Iran

Economic Times - Sep 23, 2026

Poompuhar: Underwater exploration at Poompuhar, a 2,000 year old Chola port city, has found over 200 potsherds and the first torpedo jars linked to Persian Gulf trade dating to the 3rd century BCE. Glazed Iranian pottery, Gangetic ware, and a 40m stone structure add proof of erosion and tsunamis burying this ancient Tamil trading hub.

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