Keeladi Excavation: Uncovering the Ancient Tamil Civilization

Context: The Culture Ministry has stated that the Keeladi excavation report is not yet technically well-supported and requires further scientific studies for validation.

Keeladi Excavation

• Location: Keeladi is a village in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, located along the Vaigai River.
• Excavation History: Excavations began in 2015, initially carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and later taken over by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology after an administrative dispute.
• Artefacts Unearthed: Over 18,000 artefacts have been discovered, including:
  • Pottery and inscribed potsherds
  • Gold ornaments and copper items
  • Semi-precious stones (like agate and carnelian)
  • Shell and ivory bangles
  • Glass beads, spindle whorls, terracotta seals, and weaving tools
• Pottery and Inscriptions: More than 120 potsherds bear Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, indicating the early presence of literacy and the use of script in the region.
• Urban Characteristics: Evidence suggests Keeladi was a well-organised urban settlement with industrial activities like:
  • Pottery making
  • Weaving and dyeing
  • Bead-making
• Trade and Lifestyle:
  • The presence of luxury items like beads suggests trade networks.
  • The discovery of dice and hopscotch pieces reflects recreational activities.
• Chronological Significance: The site pushes back the Sangam Age to around 800 BCE, revealing an advanced and early Tamil civilisation.
• Cultural Links: Certain symbols found at Keeladi resemble those of the Indus Valley Civilisation, though a chronological gap of about 1,000 years exists.

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