Arikamedu

ARIKAMEDU 200 B.C -200 A.D.

Arikamedu, the ancient Roman trade centre is 4 Kms. south of Pondicherry on the right bank of Ariyankuppam river. It has a long history that dates back to the second century B.C. The port town was inhabited by Romans, Cholas and French who left their mark on this wonderful place. The Roman treasure trail and Arikamedu river cruise take you down the History lane. An unforgettable experience that you wouldn't want to miss.

Arikamedu a fishing colony was used as a port for trade with the Romans and Greco-Romans. An ancient Chola coin dating back to 1 B.C. suggests involvement of Cholas in various port related activities. Some names on seals that were found here have been mentioned in the Sangam literature as well. Besides maritime commerce there seems to be evidence of inland trade with other 'megalithic' sites like Kaveripattinam, Alagankulam, Musiri and Suttukeni along river valley routes. Jouveau-Dubreail identified Arikamedu as Poduke in the Periplus Maris Erythraei. Later the site was divided into two sectors northern and southern as they were perceived to have been inhabited by different ethnic groups. It is also known as 'Yavanas' in Tamil literature.

THE ANCIENT TRADE

Wine seems to have been a major import as traces of Amphora jars suggest.'Yavanas' and wine have been mentioned in the same breath in Tamil literature- "having increased the joy by giving to the girls of shining bangles, who every day have taken in hands, vessels beautified by gold, to drink the cool, fragrant wine brought by the Yavanas in beautiful bowls". Besides wine Garum sauce and Olive oil were also imported.

The exports must have included textile, beads, semiprecious gems, glass and shell bangles as wastage at the manufacturing site suggest. Even today if one looks carefully, after about of heavy rains, one can find beads on the bank of the river.

The Romans must have used the Red Sea to come to India as traces of beads have been found in Alexandria and other Red Sea ports.

ARIKAMEDU IN MEDIEVAL TIMES

Formerly it was considered that Arikamedu was abandoned after 200 A.D. but fragments of Amphoras and a copper coin of Constantine I minted between 306-324 A.D. suggest that Arikamedu was occupied from 300 A.D. to 700 A.D. There is also considerable evidence to suggest that the site was occupied during medieval Chola times . Finds of Chola coins, Chinese Celadon pottery and other East Asian glazed ceramics suggest occupation of the site and some involvement in the Medieval East-West maritime trade as well. Some pottery found here are very similar to the eleventh century pottery of Gangaikondacholapuram Decorated spouts of water jars and clay lamps of the medieval period are also present.

Two perpendicular walls were accidently laid open and it was suggested that the bricks of this wall and that found in Gangaikondacholapuram are similar, though one cannot be sure. Therefore it is not possible to place the walls in any specific time period yet.





ARIKAMEDU IN MODERN TIMES

Between 1771-73 Monsieur Pigneau de Behaine, designated Bishop of Adran, built a seminary and residence on the eastern part of the mount for the Jesuit missionaries driven out of Siam . It was abandoned in 1783. The remaining walls of the seminary clearly indicate the use of mixed style of bricks, some of them, probably pilfered from ancient structures. The mission house has been the point of reference for all excavators viz. Wheeler, Casal and Vimala Begely and co. There doesn't seem to be evidence of any other structure belonging to this French period. There are a few fragments of decorative ceramic tiles and reliefs, pieces of pottery and glass in the Pondicherry Museum.

ARIKAMEDU TODAY

Except for the perpendicular walls and mission house there is not much that can be seen on the surface as the excavated trenches have been filled up. Coconut and Mango trees are there in abundance. Its almost like they are intent upon reminding one to step out of the time machine into the realm of reality. The plantations take your breath away. The mangoes hanging from the lower branches feel like the forbidden fruit and the orchard itself truns into the garden of Eden.

To experience the aura of Arikamedu you'll have to do more than read this brochure. You have ot go there. Let History seep into your bones.

RIVER CRUISE

To make the trip as interesting as the place PT & TDC conducts river cruises that take you from the New Port in Uppalam to Arikamedu in a boat. It takes 20 minutes to reach Arikamedu. The river cruise is an experience in itself. On the way one can see the lighthouse, the mouth of the Ariyankuppam river. Veerampattinam beach and lots and lots of coconut trees. The trip is as fascinating as the destination!

To know more about Arikamedu and its ancient culture you could also visit the Pondicherry Museum where pottery, beads, shell bangles earstuds etc. have been preserved with infinite care.

Posted in: Arikamedu,Ariyankuppam,beads,Gangaikondacholapuram,Kaveripattinam,Pondicherry Museum,RIVER CRUISE,Roman,Sangam literature,Veerampattinam,Yavanas