INTRODUCTION

The history of India’s maritime trade goes back to centuries ago. India has been one of the most
important points of sea trade in the entire South Asian region since the beginning of maritime
trade. The maritime tradition of ancient India begins with the Indus Valley civilization which saw
long-distance maritime voyages by 2900 BCE. Long before the development of the Silk Road,
the ships belonged to Indian traders travelled thousands of miles crossing the Indian Ocean and
the Arabian Sea to find their markets in the West Asia, East Asia, South East Asia and East
Africa. Similarly, merchants from these regions, especially Arabians and Chinese frequently
visited the Indian Subcontinent, trading silk, spices, porcelain, ivory and even slaves.

As the ocean trade flourished in the region, more maritime trade links were built connecting
the sub-continent with the Roman Empire in the earlier times and other regions of Europe in
the following period, long before the Colonial period. As its peninsular location made it apt for
trade though marine routes, it also led to the establishment of a number of ports across the
region during very early times. With having a coastline covering thousands of kilometres, the
continent, which is one of the biggest peninsulas in the world, featured busiest ports of that
time. Here is a list of some of the oldest ports in India that helped it to earn a respectable
position in the global maritime industry even before the colonial rule.

The most important ports during that time are:

1. Lothal port
2. Muziris port
3. Poompuhar port
4. Arikanmedu port
5. Bharuch port
6. Calicut port
7. Tuticorin port.

ARIKANMEDU

Arikamedu, located in today’s Puducherry, a union territory of India, is known as the port of
Podouke in historical documents. With mentions in the Periplus Maris Erytheaae and Tamil
poems of the Sangam period, Arikamedu is believed to be an active trading port of the region
with the Roman Empire as early as second century BC. Many believe that Arikamedu was a
Chola port dedicated to bead making and it was the only port city in the region to have ties with
Romans. In addition, textiles, terracotta artefacts, plants, spices and jewellery were also
shipped from the Indian port to Roman ports and other eastern destinations. Initially
discovered in the 1930’s, the excavations in the port city were started in the 1940’s. The
discovery of several antiquities of Roman origin helped archaeologists to draw the history of
the ancient port Arikamedu. The latest excavation was carried out between 1989 and 1992.

 Most of us do not know that around 3century B.C mediteranian traders concentrated on
a port in the south india to build ties and get raw materials from India. That port is
Arikamedu port.
 Arikanmedu is 4 kms south of Puducherry on the right bank of Arivankuppam river.
 A localite near the heritage site collected some semi precious stones ,terracotta barrels
in different sizes and many other things which he found in the site from his childhood
out of his interest are taken care of and been exhibited in many culture exhibitions.
 According to the localities the site is preciously ruled by Nannaikondan, with an another
name Peripattanam.
 It is also believed that the port is build by a church father which is first constructed to be
mission house but later on it is used as prayer hall.
 Later on many excavators practiced excavations in this site and found traces of Romans,
Cholas and French .
 But now there is only a wall and two pillars as a trace of the monument that have
existed.

Few ideas that we thought would help in increasing the foot fall to the site:
1. By making this site a venue for the official events, which are expected to grab more
visitors.
2. Redesigning the site in such a way that it is suitable for excursions, picnics,…
3. Bringing awareness in people by introducing lessons in textbook.
4. Making Arikanmedu a compulsory destination that should be added in all the official
itineraries of Puducherry.
5. Convincing people to establish shops that sell an unique product which would not be
available in others places, representing culture.
6. Advertising through all the possible means can also help in increasing foot fall.
7. Protection of the left over traces of the monument is also very important, if it is left
without like that there are chances after a while even those traces cannot be found.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TOURISM AND TRAVEL

MANAGEMENT
 NOIDA

REPORT ON

ARIKANMEDU

SUBMITTED TO:
Dr. SMITA VATS

SUBMITTED BY:
YASH SINGHAL
STUTI JAIN
KAYNAT ANSARI
RAJASRI KEMISETTY