Chennai, Jan 20 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin Today announced that a reconnaissance survey will be undertaken in the sea off the coast of Korkai in Thoothukudi district that finds mention in Sangam literature next month.

In a statement here, Mr.Stalin said the survey will be conducted by Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department in collaboration with the Indian Maritime University and National Institute of Ocean Technology.

He said the offshore explorations aimed at exploring the archaeological value in the ancient port of Korkai, would be undertaken near the estuary, where River Tamiraparani merges with the sea. The archaeological excavations would be undertaken in seven sites across the State from the first week of February.

Mr.Stalin said the excavations would be undertaken in Keeladi and its nearby locations of Konthagai, Agaram, Manalur in Sivaganga district (Phase VIII), Sivagalai in Thoothukudi district (Phase III), Gangaikondacholapuram in Ariyalur district (Phase II), Mayiladumparai in Krishnagiri district (Phase II), Vembakottai in Virudhunagar district (Phase I), Thullukarpatti in Tirunelveli district (Phase I) and Perumpalai in Dharmapuri district (Phase I). The excavations in these locations would go on till September, he added.

He recalled the archaeological excavations in the past, which brought to light, in a scientific manner, the urbanization, centuries ago, of the society that lived in multiple locations in present day Tamil Nadu.(UNI)