Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Adichanallur, an ancient burial site from the Iron Age situated in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu. The site lies beside the banks of the Tamirabarani (Porunai) river and was designated as one of the ‘Iconic Sites’ for development in the Union Budget of 2020-21.
Tmt @nsitharaman visits Adichanallur, an archaeological site located on the bank of Tamirabarani (Porunai) river in Thoothukudi District of Tamil Nadu.
Adichanallur was one of the five archaeological sites declared to be developed as ‘Iconic Sites’ in Union Budget 2020-21.
The… pic.twitter.com/C1O0sa3j3l
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) August 5, 2023
On the occasion, the Union Finance Minister also laid the foundation stone for the ‘Iconic Site Museum’ at the Adichanallur site. In her statements at the ceremony, she highlighted the unique and rich history preserved within the Adichanallur site. Various objects dating back to 467 BCE and food grains such as millets and paddy dated 665 BCE have been unearthed here. The upcoming ASI Museum will showcase all these artefacts ‘in-situ’, providing a world-class experience to visitors and researchers alike.
The Finance Minister emphasized that the Central Government has allocated funds for the establishment of this museum, fulfilling a commitment made in the 2021 Budget. The government envisions this site as a stop for pilgrims travelling to Tiruchendur, contributing to the cultural heritage and tourism of the region.
The Finance Minister revealed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has formulated plans to construct an amphitheatre featuring an illuminating light and sound presentation to further enrich the visitor experience. This endeavor is aimed at safeguarding the cultural essence of the country through the commemoration and coordination of events like the Kashi Tamil Sangaman and Saurashtra Tamil Sangaman.
As part of a dedicated endeavor to safeguard India’s rich cultural legacy, Sitharaman shared that the government is exerting significant efforts to repatriate artifacts originating from Adichallanur that are currently located abroad, with a particular emphasis on items presently housed in Berlin.Thus far, the government’s efforts have resulted in the return of over 350 ancient artefacts and items of historical importance to India.
Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, Thoothukudi District Collector K. Senthil Raj, Mayor Jegan Periyasamy and former MP Sasikala Pushpa were present on the occasion.