Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for the world-class museum at Adichanallur, near Srivaikundam in Thoothukudi district.
During her visit, the Finance Minister inspected the Adichanallur Parambu area, where excavation work has been ongoing since 2021. Archaeological Survey India (ASI) has also developed the iconic on-site museum with ancient antiquities and urn burials in in-situ position. This ASI museum is located one kilometre away from the on-site museum at Adichanallur.
State Minister for Fisheries, Fishermen Welfare, and Animal Husbandry Mr. Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, Thoothukudi Lok Sabha MEMBER Ms Kanimozhi, Thoothukudi District Collector Senthilraj, Archaeological Survey of India Director General Kishore Pasha, Archaeological Survey of India Trichy Regional Director Arunraj, writer Muthalankurichi Kamarasu and others were also present on the occasion.
The museum at Adichanallur is part of the government's initiative announced in the 2020 budget to revitalize tourism by establishing world-class museums across the country.
This ambitious plan involves creating eight new museums, developing infrastructure around five iconic sites, and renovating five major museums. Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu was chosen as one of the locations to set up a world-class museum, highlighting the significance of the site's historical and cultural importance.
Once constructed, this museum will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Tamil Nadu's cultural evolution and its contribution to the broader Indian heritage.
