Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 – Archaeology & Museums
Archaeological Excavations in Tamil Nadu (2025-26)
▪ New excavations at Keezhadi (Sivaganga), Pattanamarudur (Thoothukudi), Karivalamvanthanallur (Tenkasi), Nagapattinam, Manikkollai (Cuddalore), Adichanur (Kallakurichi), Vellalur (Coimbatore), and Thelunganur (Salem).
▪ the journey in search of the cultural identities of ancient Tamils had also expanded to regions in the neighboring states: Palur (Odisha), Vengi (Andhra Pradesh), Maski (Karnataka).
▪ Advanced scientific analyses: Ancient DNA, metallurgy, pollen analysis, OSL dating.
▪ Budget: ₹7 crore for archaeological research.
Deep-Sea Archaeological Excavations:
▪ Focus on Tamil maritime trade with Southeast Asia, Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula, and the Roman Empire.
▪ First phase: Deep-sea excavation from Kaveripoompattinam to Nagapattinam.
New Museums & Cultural Galleries:
▪ Noyyal Museum’ (Erode, ₹22 crore): Highlights Kodumanal excavations.
▪ Naavaai Museum’ (Ramanathapuram, ₹21 crore): Focuses on Pandya maritime trade (Sangam era).
▪ Indus Valley Cultural Gallery (Egmore Museum, Chennai): To mark 100 years of Indus Valley Civilization discovery.
▪ Tamil Cultural Museums in Mamallapuram & Tiruvannamalai: Showcasing Tamil heritage to global tourists.
Egmore Museum Enhancements:
▪ Houses 2,000+ bronze statues made from Aimpon (five-metal alloy).
▪ New traditional architectural gallery for sculptural masterpieces.
▪ Budget: ₹40 crore.
Anbucholai Centres for Senior Citizens
▪ The Tamil Nadu government will establish 25 Anbucholai centres (daycare centres for the elderly) to ensure the well-being of senior citizens
▪ It will be established in the Municipal Corporations, including Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Salem, Tiruppur, Erode, Thoothukudi, Vellore, Thanjavur, and Dindigul, with a financial allocation of ₹10 crore
▪ Each centre will provide various services, including day-care assistance, arrangements for essential medical care, and recreational activities, with the support of voluntary organisations
Dhanushkodi to be Declared as Greater Flamingo Sanctuary
▪ Location: Dhanushkodi, at the tip of Rameswaram Island.
▪ Significance: Crucial stopover for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway – particularly the Greater Flamingo (state bird of Gujarat).
▪ Objective: Conservation of wetland birds and diverse ecosystems (sand dunes, marshes, mangroves).
