Archaeological treasures of Alambarai Fort on display

A little more than 50 kilometres from Mamallapuram stands the ruins of Alambarai Fort, a hub of trade and commerce in the 17th century. Six months ago, excavations by the state archaeological department turned up antiquities revealing the socio-economic condition of the region.

These artefacts are on display at the Tamil Development Complex on Halls Road in Egmore, as part of an exhibition on the fort. The items on show include pottery, porcelain, glass shards, smoking pipes, crucibles, coin moulds and stone cannonballs.

Speaking to City Express, Sasikala, a Ph D scholar attached to the department says that the fort was also a flourishing port town since the time of the Nawabs. Since then, the French had control over it since 1750. The English then destroyed it in 1760, she added.

“They also had a mint for coins, and these items like the coin mould and crucible were used there,” explains Sasikala, adding that the place has a rich history and a must-visit. “It has even been mentioned in a text from the Sangam period. Even if it is in ruins, the place is still beautiful,” she says.

The exhibit is on till the end of this week.

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