Unearthing History: A Journey Through the Tranquebar Archaeological Site

Abstract

Archaeology is the study of human activity in the past, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscape. The idea of archaeological and historical research was introduced to India mainly due to the colonial system. After the coming of the Britishers, they realized the glorious past of the Indians especially south Indians through archaeological excavations. The state department of Archaeology is doing excavations in various places from the prehistoric period to the historic period. Tarangambadi is a window into South India’s historical cultural and maritime heritage. The archaeological findings reaffirm its significance as a historical crossroads where ancient Tamil traditions met global influence. Tarangambadi also known as Tranquebar is a picturesque coastal town in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamilnadu. The history of Tranqubar could be traced back to the beginning of the common Era. Ancient sangam classics like the Purananooru, Natrinai and Agananooru refer to Poraiyar as a port town. It continued to play an important role in history of Tranquebar till 19th century. This article focuses the historical overview and significance of archaeological excavation in Tranquebar.