<h1>Government launches undersea excavation with maritime university to locate and study submerged ancient port city remains</h1> The state government has commenced an undersea excavation between an early Chola capital site and a medieval maritime hub in collaboration with a maritime university, aiming to locate and study submerged remains of an ancient port city. The archaeology department, supported by a team of archaeologists and departmental officials, began preliminary dives and mapping on September 19 using advanced equipment. Earlier surveys in 1981 and 1991, and a 2023 university study, reported brick structures, pottery, piers and evidence of a large harbour and shipyards at depths of 50-100 meters. State ministers overseeing archaeology welcomed the project's role in uncovering regional antiquity.