Renowned archaeologist and epigraphist Dr. Natana Kasinathan passed away
- Inarch Center
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Chennai - Dr. Natana Kasinathan, renowned archaeologist, epigraphist, historian, and former Director of the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology, passed away at 85.
A pioneering scholar in Tamil epigraphy and heritage studies, Dr. Kasinathan dedicated his career to unearthing and documenting the rich cultural and archaeological legacy of Tamil Nadu. His meticulous research and extensive publications have significantly contributed to the understanding of Tamil civilization and South Indian history.
He was born on 1st November 1940, in Thoppalikuppam in Cuddalore district, in 1967 he joined the Tamil Nadu archaeology department as an epigraphist. In 1988, he became the director of the department and remained till 1998, he was the second director to serve for an extended duration.
Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday condoled the demise of Natana Kasinathan, former director of the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology, calling it an “irreplaceable loss” to the field of archaeology.
"It was under his directorship, that the underwater expedition in Poompuhar was carried out. He brought SR Rao, considered the 'father of marine archaeology' from Goa, to train the archaeologists in the department to carry out the expedition," said Dr S Rajavelu, former professor of marine archaeology and epigraphy at Tamil University, Thanjavur.
R Komagan, chairman, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Development Council Trust, said Kasinathan was "an undisputed expert in reading Vattezhuthu inscriptions."
Works:
Kasinathan has authored more than 50 books on archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics and various excavations. Some of his authored books include - in Tamil, Kallezhuthukkalai, Sozhar Seppedugal and Thamizhar Kasu Iyal, and in English, Under Sea Exploration off the Shore of Poompuhar and The Metropolis of the Medieval Cholas.
He was the recipient of many awards including Tamil Nadu govt's U.Ve.Sa award presented for renowned archaeologists also in his leadership first underwater archaeological expedition took place in 1991.
The Team at Inarch Center extends its deepest condolences on the passing of a legend whose life’s work continues to illuminate the depth of Tamil history.
About Author Bhavik Singh (Volunteer) pursuing his M.A. in Archaeology and Heritage Management (2025-2027) at School of Heritage Research and Management, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi.
Sources:
1) Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology. (n.d.). About us.
2) The Times of India. (2025, October 7). Natana Kasinathan, who led TN’s first under-sea archaeological expedition, dies.
3) The Hindu. (2025, October 7). Stalin condoles death of epigraphist and archaeologist Natana Kasinathan.
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