Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday inaugurated the Porunai Archaeological Museum near Palayamkottai. Built on 13 acres by the Tamil Nadu government at a cost of ₹56.36 crore, the museum showcases artefacts from ancient sites in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts. These include findings from Adichanallur, Sivakalai, Korkai, and Thulukkarpatti. The museum displays burial urns, bronze vessels, iron tools, multi-coloured earthenware, and tiles with 'Thamizhi' letters. Excavations at Sivakalai revealed Tamils’ early use of iron tools and weapons, dating back to 3,300 BC, according to carbon dating. Iron artefacts at Adichanallur date to 2,613 BC, rewriting the history of the Iron Age in the region. Adichanallur's findings include baked earthen pipes used for irrigation, showing advanced ancient engineering. High-quality bronze and gold ornaments found here highlight the richness of early Tamil life. Thulukkarpatti excavations uncovered silver coins, glass jewellery, iron tools, terracotta figures, and pots with ancient Tamil script. Similarities with the Indus Valley civilization were noted. At Korkai, displays include glass beads, conch bangles, Roman and Chinese pottery, and an interactive wall about the Pandya port town. Visitors also enjoy a 15-minute light-and-sound show on ancient Tamil civilisation. Modern features include touchscreens, virtual reality, documentaries, a children's park, and battery-operated vehicles for the elderly and differently-abled. Stalin said in a pre-inauguration video, "The ancient Tamil civilisation had left an enviable footprint with its admirable knowledge in science and agriculture. The history of the Indian subcontinent should be written from Tamil land."