Poompuhar

Key notes

  • Poompuhar, also known as Kaveripoompattinam, is an ancient port city in Tamil Nadu.
  • It was located near the mouth of the Kaveri River on the Coromandel Coast.
  • It was associated with the Chola kingdom.

  • It was an important centre of:

    • Maritime trade.
    • Tamil culture.
    • Literature.
    • Craft production.
  • Poompuhar is mentioned in Sangam literature and the epics Silappadikaram and Manimekalai.
  • Parts of the ancient settlement may have been submerged due to coastal changes and sea erosion.

  • It reflects India’s ancient links with:

    • Sri Lanka.
    • Southeast Asia.
    • The wider Indian Ocean trade network.