Porunai Museum: A Symbol Of Tamil Pride & Heritage

Adichanallur excavation in 1876 was the very first excavation that happened in India. Adichanallur came to the limelight when German explorer Dr. F. Jagor unearthed surprising finds, later handing them over to a Berlin museum. He was the pioneer of archaeological excavations in India.

British undertook detailed studies headed by archaeologist Alexander Rea from 1899 to 1905 determining it as an ancient human settlement of the Iron Age. The collected artefacts from this British archaeologist are in preservation at the Chennai Government Museum. Most of the findings from Alexander's excavations had unearthed several burial urns, skeletons, more than 50 clay pots, and artefacts ranging from golden diadems to weapons made of iron.

The most exciting information is there were two earthen pots which were found along with the preserved husk. Similarly, M. Louis Lapicque of Paris explored the site in 1903-04 which resulted in additional collections. All these collections were later shifted to the Chennai Museum. Enderson, Manager at the Chennai Museum, has released a book under the title 'Catalogue of the Prehistoric Antiquities from Adichanallur and Perumbair'.

Adichanallur located along the Thamirabarani river in Thoothukudi district of southern Tamil Nadu has been an active playground of archaeologists and anthropologists for more than 150 years. In Adichanallur, a mount called Parambu is spread across 114 acres of land on the southern bank of the Thanporunai river. The name 'Parambu' denotes that the land is not useful enough for cultivating crops.

So, the land was used as a burial ground in ancient times. When the excavations took place, archaeologists found so many burial urns. It was buried underground at 3 to 12 feet depth. This shows that this area was the biggest burial ground of ancient times that was ever found. These burial urns also have high-quality bronze and iron vessels which were buried along with the people.

Also, kites made of gold have been found during this excavation. A great turning point in this study was the discovery of a historical figure. Researchers found a female figure at Adichanallur similar to the one found in the Indus Valley excavations. Along with this statue, many bronze vessels, urns, weapons made up of iron, jewels and toys were found. That's why the researchers termed this spot the 'cradle of Tamil civilisation'.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK. Stalin, who realised the grandeur of this excavation, laid the foundation stone for the Rs 33.2-crore museum to come up in Tirunelveli. This Porunai Museum will also be constructed in the same 'Chettinad style' as 'The Keezhadi Museum'. The museum, which is to span over 55,000 square feet, would house ancient artefacts unearthed in Korkai, Sivagangai and Adichanallur.

Historian Kamarasu said, "It's been 145 years ever since the first excavation was done at Adichanallur. The world is yet to know about this wonderful history. But CM Stalin understood the pride it carries and laid the foundation stone for this Porunai Museum. After Independence, the first excavation by the government was held at Adichanallur in 2004. But the research report wasn't published.''

''A case was filed in the Madurai Bench of High Court. But today CM Stalin made all the effort to" fulfil our wishes. We are highly thankful to our Chief Minister. Also, in Tamilnadu Government, this excavation was once given up by the Union government. Our Tamil history will echo worldwide and Porunai Museum will prove that the Tamil civilisation is ancient," he added.