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Keeladi Findings

Posted on February 23, 2023 by admin1  2136

In News

  • Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has presented a report on the findings at the Sangam-era site of Keeladi and their significance.

About

  • Keeladi is a village in south Tamil Nadu along the Vaigai river near the temple city of Madurai. 

Findings:

  • In the eight rounds of excavations, over 18,000 artifacts have been unearthed from the site. 
    • Over 120 potsherds containing Tamil Brahmi inscriptions have been found.
    • Spindle whorls, copper needles, terracotta seal, hanging stones of the yarn, terracotta spheres and earthen vessels to hold liquid suggest various stages of a weaving industry
    • Gold ornaments, copper articles, semi-precious stones, shell bangles, ivory bangles and ivory combs reflect the artistic, culturally rich and prosperous lifestyle of the Keeladi people

Significance of findings 

  • Keeladi and Sangam age:
    • Keeladi’s excavations from 2015 prove that an urban civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu in the Sangam age on the banks of the Vaigai river.
    • The unearthed artifacts from Keeladi belong to a period between sixth century BCE and first century BCE.These  findings pushed the Sangam age to 800 BCE .
    • Keeladi  adds to the credibility of Sangam Literature.
  • Keeladi and IVC:
    • The unearthed Keeladi artifacts have led to conclusion that the site is a  part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation
    • some of the symbols found in pot sherds of Keeladi bear a close resemblance to signs of Indus Valley 

  • Academics while acknowledging the cultural gap of 1,000 years between the two places, hope that further excavations give a clearer picture about the south indian iron age  that currently  links both.

Archaeological Survey of India:

  • The ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the country.
  • It functions under the Ministry of Culture.
  • The prime objection of ASI is to maintain the archaeological sites, ancient monuments, and remains of national importance.
  • It regulates all archaeological activities as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
  • It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

Sangam Age

  • The area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra experienced  a period between the 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century A.D. known as the Sangam Period.
  • It has been named after the gathering of poets (Sangam) held during that period under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai.
  • The sources for this age are largely literary, though archaeological evidence has started to come up.
  • Kharavela’s Hatigumpha inscription (155 BCE) provides the earliest epigraphic evidence referring to a confederacy of Tamil states.

Vaigai River

  • It originates in the Western Ghats (Varushanad Hills).
  • It travels through the Pandya Nadu region of Tamil Nadu.
  • Its main tributaries are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal and Upparu.
  • The Vaigai  finally empties into the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district.

Source: TH 

 
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