Keezhadi excavation site: Difference between revisions
Journal study Ramakrishna et al. 2018. http://www.heritageuniversityofkerala.com/JournalPDF/Volume6/2.pdf Please check it. Tag: Reverted |
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'''Keezhadi''' (also as '''Keeladi''') is a [[Sangam period]] settlement and large-scale excavation being carried out by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] and the [[Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology]].<ref>{{Cite news |author=Dennis S. Jesudasan |date=20 September 2019 |title=Keezhadi excavations: Sangam era older than previously thought, finds study |newspaper=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/keeladi-findings-traceable-to-6th-century-bce-report/article29461583.ece}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Keeladi {{!}} Department Of Archaeology|url=https://www.tnarch.gov.in/keeladi|access-date=2021-08-12|website=www.tnarch.gov.in}}</ref> This site is located 12 km southeast of [[Madurai]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], near the town of [[Keezhadi]], [[Sivaganga district]]. The settlement lies on the bank of the [[Vaigai River]] and it reflects the ancient [[culture of Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite news |
'''Keezhadi''' (also as '''Keeladi''') is a [[Sangam period]] settlement and large-scale excavation being carried out by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] and the [[Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology]].<ref>{{Cite news |author=Dennis S. Jesudasan |date=20 September 2019 |title=Keezhadi excavations: Sangam era older than previously thought, finds study |newspaper=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/keeladi-findings-traceable-to-6th-century-bce-report/article29461583.ece}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Keeladi {{!}} Department Of Archaeology|url=https://www.tnarch.gov.in/keeladi|access-date=2021-08-12|website=www.tnarch.gov.in}}</ref> This site is located 12 km southeast of [[Madurai]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], near the town of [[Keezhadi]], [[Sivaganga district]]. The settlement lies on the bank of the [[Vaigai River]] and it reflects the ancient [[culture of Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite news |
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| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/unearthing-an-ancient-civilisation/article29856930.ece | title = Keeladi: Unearthing the 'Vaigai Valley' Civilisation of Sangam era Tamil Nadu}}</ref> Epigraphist V. Vedachalam, who served as a domain expert for the excavation, dated the excavated remains between 6th century BCE and 3rd century CE.<ref>{{Cite |
| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/unearthing-an-ancient-civilisation/article29856930.ece | title = Keeladi: Unearthing the 'Vaigai Valley' Civilisation of Sangam era Tamil Nadu}}</ref> Epigraphist V. Vedachalam, who served as a domain expert for the excavation, dated the excavated remains between 6th century BCE and 3rd century CE.<ref name="hindu eng 1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/archaeological-excavationin-sivaganga-uncovers-pandyaroman-trade-links/article7328683.ece|title=அகழ்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டது: பாண்டிய-ரோம வணிகத் தொடர்பு (ஆங்கிலத்தில்)|last=எஸ். அண்ணாமலை|date=18 June 2015|access-date=12 September 2015|agency=The Hindu}}</ref> |
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== Location == |
== Location == |
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[[File:Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 6.jpg|thumb|Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 2020.]] |
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[[File:Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 2.jpg|thumb|Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 2020.]] |
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The excavation was first started in Pallisanthai Thidal which is in the north of [[Manalur]], about a kilometer east of the town of [[Keezhadi]] in [[Sivagangai district]]. Various archaeological residues were found when plowing the land around the site. A survey was conducted for the study, which found that this ancient settlement was less than two and a half meters below the ground level.<ref name="விகடன் செய்தி">{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikatan.com/news/article.php?aid=49553|title=2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!|date=16 June 2015|access-date=12 September 2015|agency=vikatan.com}}</ref> The area currently being excavated is spread over 80 acres with a 3.5 km radius. The ancient towns of Kondagai and Manalur are also part of this region.<ref name="hindu eng 2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/archaeological-excavationin-sivaganga-uncovers-pandyaroman-trade-links/article7328683.ece|title=அகழ்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டது: பாண்டிய-ரோம வணிகத் தொடர்பு (ஆங்கிலத்தில்)|last=எஸ். அண்ணாமலை|date=18 June 2015|access-date=12 September 2015|agency=தி இந்து (ஆங்கிலம்)}}</ref> |
The excavation was first started in Pallisanthai Thidal which is in the north of [[Manalur]], about a kilometer east of the town of [[Keezhadi]] in [[Sivagangai district]]. Various archaeological residues were found when plowing the land around the site. A survey was conducted for the study, which found that this ancient settlement was less than two and a half meters below the ground level.<ref name="விகடன் செய்தி">{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikatan.com/news/article.php?aid=49553|title=2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!|date=16 June 2015|access-date=12 September 2015|agency=vikatan.com}}</ref> The area currently being excavated is spread over 80 acres with a 3.5 km radius. The ancient towns of Kondagai and Manalur are also part of this region.<ref name="hindu eng 2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/archaeological-excavationin-sivaganga-uncovers-pandyaroman-trade-links/article7328683.ece|title=அகழ்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டது: பாண்டிய-ரோம வணிகத் தொடர்பு (ஆங்கிலத்தில்)|last=எஸ். அண்ணாமலை|date=18 June 2015|access-date=12 September 2015|agency=தி இந்து (ஆங்கிலம்)}}</ref> |
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== Dating of site == |
== Dating of site == |
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Initially, this site was estimated to be from the period between 5th century BCE and 3rd century CE. Two samples were sent for [[Radiocarbon dating|carbon dating]] from this excavation site for confirmation in 2017. The results that came in July 2017 confirmed that the samples were from about 2,200 years ago (3rd century BCE).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/carbon-dating-confirms-keezhadi-site-is-from-sangam-era/article19376556.ece|title=Carbon dating confirms Keezhadi site is from Sangam era|last=Dennis S. Jesudasan|date=28 July 2017|publisher=thehindu.com|access-date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/49553.html 2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!]</ref> Radiocarbon dating of samples obtained from the fourth phase of excavation revealed that one of the artifacts was from 6th century BCE.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Kavitha Muralidharan |date=20 September 2019 |url=https://thewire.in/the-sciences/keezhadi-excavation-tamil-nadu-sangam-era-asi-tamil-brahmi|title=In 'Rebuttal' to ASI, Tamil Nadu Dig Claims Proof Sangam Era Older Than Thought|website=The Wire}}</ref> In 2017, the ASI sent two samples from Keezhadi to Beta Analytic, a [[Miami]]-based radiocarbon dating laboratory. The laboratory dated the samples to be about 2,300 – 2600 years old (from 3rd century BCE).<ref name="TH_Dennis_Sangam">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/carbon-dating-confirms-tn-site-is-from-sangam-era/article19374201.ece|title=Carbon dating confirms T.N. site is from Sangam era|author=Dennis S. Jesudasan|date=28 July 2017|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2018, six carbon samples collected from the fourth phase of excavation were sent to Beta Analytic in the United States for [[Accelerator Mass Spectrometry]] (AMS) dating. It was found that one sample collected at a depth of 353 cm goes back to 580 BCE.<ref name="KeeladiReport2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/keezhadi-archaeological-excavation/article7557728.ece|title=Keeladi - An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the bank of Vaigai River|date=19 September 2019|agency=The Wire}}</ref> |
Initially, this site was estimated to be from the period between 5th century BCE and 3rd century CE. Two samples were sent for [[Radiocarbon dating|carbon dating]] from this excavation site for confirmation in 2017. The results that came in July 2017 confirmed that the samples were from about 2,200 years ago (3rd century BCE).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/carbon-dating-confirms-keezhadi-site-is-from-sangam-era/article19376556.ece|title=Carbon dating confirms Keezhadi site is from Sangam era|last=Dennis S. Jesudasan|date=28 July 2017|publisher=thehindu.com|access-date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/49553.html 2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!]</ref> Radiocarbon dating of samples obtained from the fourth phase of excavation revealed that one of the artifacts was from 6th century BCE.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Kavitha Muralidharan |date=20 September 2019 |url=https://thewire.in/the-sciences/keezhadi-excavation-tamil-nadu-sangam-era-asi-tamil-brahmi|title=In 'Rebuttal' to ASI, Tamil Nadu Dig Claims Proof Sangam Era Older Than Thought|website=The Wire}}</ref> In 2017, the ASI sent two samples from Keezhadi to Beta Analytic, a [[Miami]]-based radiocarbon dating laboratory. The laboratory dated the samples to be about 2,300 – 2600 years old (from 3rd century BCE).<ref name="TH_Dennis_Sangam">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/carbon-dating-confirms-tn-site-is-from-sangam-era/article19374201.ece|title=Carbon dating confirms T.N. site is from Sangam era|author=Dennis S. Jesudasan|date=28 July 2017|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2018, six carbon samples collected from the fourth phase of excavation were sent to Beta Analytic in the United States for [[Accelerator Mass Spectrometry]] (AMS) dating. It was found that one sample collected at a depth of 353 cm goes back to 580 BCE.<ref name="KeeladiReport2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/keezhadi-archaeological-excavation/article7557728.ece|title=Keeladi - An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the bank of Vaigai River|date=19 September 2019|agency=The Wire}}</ref> |
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== Background and status of study == |
== Background and status of study == |
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==== Fourth phase ==== |
==== Fourth phase ==== |
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The fourth phase of the excavation was conducted between 2017 and 2018, bringing out 5,820 artifacts. This phase was conducted by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department while the first three phases were conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India.<ref name="PhasesKeeladi">{{Cite web|author=Padmini Sivarajah |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/fifth-phase-of-keeladi-excavation-begins/articleshow/69775862.cms|title=Fifth phase of Keeladi excavations begins|date=13 June 2019 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Six carbon samples collected from the fourth phase of excavation at Keezhadi were sent to Beta Analytic, Miami, Florida, USA for [[Accelerator Mass Spectrometry]] (AMS) dating; samples collected at a depth of 353 cm, were dated between 580 BCE and the 1st century CE.<ref name="KeeladiReport">{{Cite news|title=Keeladi - An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the bank of Vaigai River|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/keezhadi-archaeological-excavation/article7557728.ece|date=19 September 2019|agency=The Wire}}</ref><ref name="thewire.in">{{Cite web |title=Experts Question Dates of Script in Tamil Nadu's Keeladi Excavation Report |url=https://thewire.in/the-sciences/keeladi-settlement-tamil-nadu-department-of-archaeology-tamil-brahmi-script-indus-valley-civilisation |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=The Wire}}</ref> The graffiti marks on the artifacts obtained from the excavation site were said to be similar to the Indus Valley script by the excavators.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Sruthisagar Yamunan |date=20 September 2019 |title=Tamil Nadu: Artefacts dated to 580 BCE hint at script continuity from Indus Valley Civilisation |newspaper=Scroll.in |url=https://scroll.in/latest/937821/tamil-nadu-artifacts-dated-to-583-bce-hint-at-script-continuity-from-indus-valley-civilisatio}}</ref> Bisnupriya Basak questioned whether the sherds actually came from the same level that was dated to the 6th century BCE. Some of the marks might have been made during the pottery-making process. Archaeologist E. Harsha Vardhan commented that “we cannot state scientifically that the Tamil-Brahmi script belongs to the sixth century BC” on the basis of this report.<ref name="thewire.in |
The fourth phase of the excavation was conducted between 2017 and 2018, bringing out 5,820 artifacts. This phase was conducted by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department while the first three phases were conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India.<ref name="PhasesKeeladi">{{Cite web|author=Padmini Sivarajah |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/fifth-phase-of-keeladi-excavation-begins/articleshow/69775862.cms|title=Fifth phase of Keeladi excavations begins|date=13 June 2019 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Six carbon samples collected from the fourth phase of excavation at Keezhadi were sent to Beta Analytic, Miami, Florida, USA for [[Accelerator Mass Spectrometry]] (AMS) dating; samples collected at a depth of 353 cm, were dated between 580 BCE and the 1st century CE.<ref name="KeeladiReport">{{Cite news|title=Keeladi - An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the bank of Vaigai River|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/keezhadi-archaeological-excavation/article7557728.ece|date=19 September 2019|agency=The Wire}}</ref><ref name="thewire.in">{{Cite web |title=Experts Question Dates of Script in Tamil Nadu's Keeladi Excavation Report |url=https://thewire.in/the-sciences/keeladi-settlement-tamil-nadu-department-of-archaeology-tamil-brahmi-script-indus-valley-civilisation |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=The Wire}}</ref> The graffiti marks on the artifacts obtained from the excavation site were said to be similar to the Indus Valley script by the excavators.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Sruthisagar Yamunan |date=20 September 2019 |title=Tamil Nadu: Artefacts dated to 580 BCE hint at script continuity from Indus Valley Civilisation |newspaper=Scroll.in |url=https://scroll.in/latest/937821/tamil-nadu-artifacts-dated-to-583-bce-hint-at-script-continuity-from-indus-valley-civilisatio}}</ref> Bisnupriya Basak questioned whether the sherds actually came from the same level that was dated to the 6th century BCE. Some of the marks might have been made during the pottery-making process. Archaeologist E. Harsha Vardhan commented that “we cannot state scientifically that the Tamil-Brahmi script belongs to the sixth century BC” on the basis of this report.<ref name="thewire.in"/> |
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==== Fifth phase ==== |
==== Fifth phase ==== |
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Almost 48 square pits have been cut and various structures and artifacts have been found, including frosts, brick walls, roof tiles, pottery, mimic accessories, skeletal tools, iron [[Vel]], and [[Tamil-Brahmi]] letter-etched plates.<ref name="KeeladiReport"/> This place is considered to be [[Pandyan dynasty|Pandyan]] dynasty's city called "Perumanalur", the pioneer of literature.<ref name="eng hindu 4">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/keezhadi-archaeological-excavation/article7557728.ece|title=உயிரூட்டம் கொண்ட சிற்றூரின் கீழே புதையுண்ட நகரம் (ஆங்கிலத்தில்)|last=ஏ. ஸ்ரீகுமார்|date=19 August 2015|access-date=12 September 2015|agency=The Hindu}}</ref> The use of fired brick, the size of the building complex, an array of pots placed in such a way that it must have been used either as a lamp or for painting, and other findings suggest that the settlement is of a more civilized population than was previously suspected during the [[Sangam period]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Harappa-like-site-surfaces-in-Tamil-Nadu/articleshow/52495353.cms|title=Harappa-like site surfaces in Tamil Nadu|author=Johnbosco, Arockiaraj|date=29 May 2016|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529204815/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Harappa-like-site-surfaces-in-Tamil-Nadu/articleshow/52495353.cms|archive-date=29 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://m.tamil.thehindu.com/tamilnadu/article7466768.ece|title=சங்க காலத்திலேயே வெளிநாடுகளோடு வர்த்தகம்: வணிகப் பெருவழிப் பாதையில் அமைந்த நகரம்|date=26 July 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|language=ta|trans-title=Associated with Overseas Trade: Traderoute within City Pandyas}}</ref> |
Almost 48 square pits have been cut and various structures and artifacts have been found, including frosts, brick walls, roof tiles, pottery, mimic accessories, skeletal tools, iron [[Vel]], and [[Tamil-Brahmi]] letter-etched plates.<ref name="KeeladiReport"/> This place is considered to be [[Pandyan dynasty|Pandyan]] dynasty's city called "Perumanalur", the pioneer of literature.<ref name="eng hindu 4">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/keezhadi-archaeological-excavation/article7557728.ece|title=உயிரூட்டம் கொண்ட சிற்றூரின் கீழே புதையுண்ட நகரம் (ஆங்கிலத்தில்)|last=ஏ. ஸ்ரீகுமார்|date=19 August 2015|access-date=12 September 2015|agency=The Hindu}}</ref> The use of fired brick, the size of the building complex, an array of pots placed in such a way that it must have been used either as a lamp or for painting, and other findings suggest that the settlement is of a more civilized population than was previously suspected during the [[Sangam period]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Harappa-like-site-surfaces-in-Tamil-Nadu/articleshow/52495353.cms|title=Harappa-like site surfaces in Tamil Nadu|author=Johnbosco, Arockiaraj|date=29 May 2016|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529204815/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Harappa-like-site-surfaces-in-Tamil-Nadu/articleshow/52495353.cms|archive-date=29 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://m.tamil.thehindu.com/tamilnadu/article7466768.ece|title=சங்க காலத்திலேயே வெளிநாடுகளோடு வர்த்தகம்: வணிகப் பெருவழிப் பாதையில் அமைந்த நகரம்|date=26 July 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|language=ta|trans-title=Associated with Overseas Trade: Traderoute within City Pandyas}}</ref> |
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=== Canals and sewage system === |
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Water supply and wastewater are considered as important landmarks of civil development.<ref name="Ramakrishna et al. 2018"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramesh |first1=Mridula |title=Findings from Keeladi excavation site have a clear message for modern cities: Cherish your water, or perish |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/findings-from-keeladi-excavation-site-have-a-clear-message-for-modern-cities-cherish-your-water-or-perish-7478731.html |access-date=12 October 2019 |publisher=Firstpost |date=12 October 2019}}</ref> At the bottom of the settlement, there are buildings with a sewage canal facility made of ceramic tubes. According to archeologist R. Sivanandam ''"Each terracotta pipe had a five spiral-like projections at regular interval on its outer surface and looks like spiral-shaped terracotta pipes. The pipes fixed perfectly mouth to mouth suggest that they might have used to carry or drain water or any other liquid item"''<ref>{{cite news |last1=DC Correspondent |first1=Deccan Chronicle |title=Keeladi was amazingly urban with open water channel, strainer |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/241019/keeladi-was-amazingly-urban-with-open-water-channel-strainer.html |access-date=24 October 2019 |publisher=deccanchronicle |date=24 October 2019}}</ref> Some terracotta pipes appeared to feed into a strategically placed pot which in turn was placed on top of another pot.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramesh |first1=Mridula |title=Findings from Keeladi excavation site have a clear message for modern cities: Cherish your water, or perish |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/findings-from-keeladi-excavation-site-have-a-clear-message-for-modern-cities-cherish-your-water-or-perish-7478731.html |access-date=12 October 2019 |publisher=Firstpost |date=12 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="Ramakrishna et al. 2018"/> |
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=== Ring wells and brick walls === |
=== Ring wells and brick walls === |
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=== Pottery === |
=== Pottery === |
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The rouletted, [[Terra sigillata|arretine]]-type ceramics brought by merchants demonstrate business connections with the [[Roman Empire]]. It is noteworthy that such products have been discovered. Furthermore, black and red parchment fragments and white-colored black, red papillae and reddish-pitted pieces have also been unearthed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikatan.com/news/article.php?aid=49553|title=2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!|last=ப.சூரியராஜ்|date=16 June 2015|access-date=12 September 2015|agency=விகடன்.காம்}}</ref><ref name="தமிழ் இந்து 3"/> There are [[Tamil language|Tamil words]] engraved on the potteries that mention the names of individuals like 'Aathan', 'Uthiran' and 'Thiesan'.<ref name="eng hindu 4"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.vikatan.com/news/article.php?aid=49553|title=2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!|last=ப.சூரியராஜ்|date=16 June 2015|access-date=12 September 2015|agency=vikatan.com}}</ref>[[File:KeeladiExcavationCamp8.jpg|thumb|Pottery|alt=]] |
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[[File:KeeladiExcavationCamp8.jpg|thumb|Pottery|alt=]] |
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===Tamil-Brahmi script and graffiti marks=== |
===Tamil-Brahmi script and graffiti marks=== |
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In the fourth phase of excavations at Keezhadi, 72 potsherds with [[Tamil-Brahmi]] script were discovered at the site. Some of these artifacts have inscribed graffiti marks, similar to graffiti marks which some believe to have evolved from the [[Indus script]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/new-study-connects-tamil-nadu-with-indus-valley-civilisation/story-ESlR55vEIZQPvq2Q0jXeVP.html|title=New study connects Tamil Nadu with Indus Valley civilisation|author=MC Rajan|date=20 September 2019|newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref> According to T. Udhayachandran, the artifacts found at Keezhadi excavation site may point to a link between the [[Indus script|scripts]] of the [[Indus Valley civilization]] and [[Tamil-Brahmi]].<ref>{{Cite news |author=Anna Isaac and Nikhita Venugopal |date=19 September 2019 |title=Major discovery in Tamil Nadu's Keezhadi: A possible link to Indus Valley Civilisation |newspaper=The News Minute |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/major-discovery-tamil-nadu-s-keezhadi-possible-link-indus-valley-civilisation-109165}}</ref> Based on these marks, and one Keezhadi findings of the fourth phase which was dated to 580 BCE, R. Sivanantham and M. Seran argue that the date of the earliest attestation of Tamil-Brahmi can be pushed back to the 6th century BCE,<ref name="KeeladiReport12">{{Cite news|url=https://www.asiaville.in/article/keezhadi-charcoal-and-tamil-brahmi-16157|title=Keezhadi charcoal and Tamil Brahmi|date=2 October 2019|agency=asiaville}}</ref><ref name="KeeladiReport123">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/aug/01/keezhadi---agoldmine-of-artefacts-2338389.html|title=Keezhadi -- A goldmine of artefacts|date=1 August 2021|agency=indianexpress}}</ref><ref>https://www.infokara.com/gallery/16-ik-3566.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=May 2022}}</ref><ref>https://www.vinavu.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Keeladi-Book-English-18-09-2019.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=May 2022}}</ref> a few centuries older than Dhamma Lipi (Prakrit in the Brahmi Script) of [[Edicts of Ashoka|Ashokan Edicts]], which is stated to be dated from 268 BC to 232 BC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/carbon-dating-proves-adichanallur-relics-905-696-bc-madras-hc-slams-asi-99557|title = Carbon dating proves Adichanallur relics from Tamil Nadu are from 905 to 696 BC|date = 6 April 2019}}</ref> These claims have been challenged. It is not clear whether the potsherds containing inscriptions were found in the same [[Stratigraphy (archaeology)|archaeological layer]] as the 6th century samples, and University of Calcutta archaeologist Bishnupriya Basak said that "This unfortunately is not clear from the report and is very crucial," adding that the issues of "layer, period and absolute dates" needed clarity. Dravidian University archaeologist E. Harsha Vardhan said that a single report was not enough to "state scientifically that the Tamil-Brahmi script belongs to the sixth century BC”.<ref name="Charuch">{{cite web |last1=Charuch |first1=Sukanya |title=Experts Question Dates of Script in Tamil Nadu's Keeladi Excavation Report |url=https://science.thewire.in/society/history/keeladi-settlement-tamil-nadu-department-of-archaeology-tamil-brahmi-script-indus-valley-civilisation/ |website=The Wire Science |publisher=[[The Wire (India)]] |access-date=12 April 2020 |date=17 October 2019}}</ref> |
In the fourth phase of excavations at Keezhadi, 72 potsherds with [[Tamil-Brahmi]] script were discovered at the site. Some of these artifacts have inscribed graffiti marks, similar to graffiti marks which some believe to have evolved from the [[Indus script]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/new-study-connects-tamil-nadu-with-indus-valley-civilisation/story-ESlR55vEIZQPvq2Q0jXeVP.html|title=New study connects Tamil Nadu with Indus Valley civilisation|author=MC Rajan|date=20 September 2019|newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref> According to T. Udhayachandran, the artifacts found at Keezhadi excavation site may point to a link between the [[Indus script|scripts]] of the [[Indus Valley civilization]] and [[Tamil-Brahmi]].<ref>{{Cite news |author=Anna Isaac and Nikhita Venugopal |date=19 September 2019 |title=Major discovery in Tamil Nadu's Keezhadi: A possible link to Indus Valley Civilisation |newspaper=The News Minute |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/major-discovery-tamil-nadu-s-keezhadi-possible-link-indus-valley-civilisation-109165}}</ref> Based on these marks, and one Keezhadi findings of the fourth phase which was dated to 580 BCE, R. Sivanantham and M. Seran argue that the date of the earliest attestation of Tamil-Brahmi can be pushed back to the 6th century BCE,<ref name="KeeladiReport12">{{Cite news|url=https://www.asiaville.in/article/keezhadi-charcoal-and-tamil-brahmi-16157|title=Keezhadi charcoal and Tamil Brahmi|date=2 October 2019|agency=asiaville}}</ref><ref name="KeeladiReport123">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/aug/01/keezhadi---agoldmine-of-artefacts-2338389.html|title=Keezhadi -- A goldmine of artefacts|date=1 August 2021|agency=indianexpress}}</ref><ref>https://www.infokara.com/gallery/16-ik-3566.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=May 2022}}</ref><ref>https://www.vinavu.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Keeladi-Book-English-18-09-2019.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=May 2022}}</ref> a few centuries older than Dhamma Lipi (Prakrit in the Brahmi Script) of [[Edicts of Ashoka|Ashokan Edicts]], which is stated to be dated from 268 BC to 232 BC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/carbon-dating-proves-adichanallur-relics-905-696-bc-madras-hc-slams-asi-99557|title = Carbon dating proves Adichanallur relics from Tamil Nadu are from 905 to 696 BC|date = 6 April 2019}}</ref> These claims have been challenged. It is not clear whether the potsherds containing inscriptions were found in the same [[Stratigraphy (archaeology)|archaeological layer]] as the 6th century samples, and University of Calcutta archaeologist Bishnupriya Basak said that "This unfortunately is not clear from the report and is very crucial," adding that the issues of "layer, period and absolute dates" needed clarity. Dravidian University archaeologist E. Harsha Vardhan said that a single report was not enough to "state scientifically that the Tamil-Brahmi script belongs to the sixth century BC”.<ref name="Charuch">{{cite web |last1=Charuch |first1=Sukanya |title=Experts Question Dates of Script in Tamil Nadu's Keeladi Excavation Report |url=https://science.thewire.in/society/history/keeladi-settlement-tamil-nadu-department-of-archaeology-tamil-brahmi-script-indus-valley-civilisation/ |website=The Wire Science |publisher=[[The Wire (India)]] |access-date=12 April 2020 |date=17 October 2019}}</ref> |
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=== Ornaments and antiquities === |
=== Ornaments and antiquities === |
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== Gallery == |
== Gallery == |
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The following photographs were taken at the excavation site on 11 October 2016 |
The following photographs were taken at the excavation site on 11 October 2016. <gallery> |
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File:Keeladi excavacation site5.jpg| |
File:Keeladi excavacation site5.jpg| |
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File:Chennai Book Fair 15.jpg|Example of clay pipes from archeological site on displayed 2020. |
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File:CHESS COINS DISCOVERED FROM KEELADI EXCAVATION.jpg|Game pieces from archeological site on display 2020. |
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File:Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 1.jpg|Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 2020 |
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File:Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 7.jpg|Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 2020 |
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File:Chennai Book Fair 4.jpg|Discription about structure on display 2020 |
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File:Chennai Book Fair 13.jpg| Description about agrarian society 2020 |
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File:Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 3.jpg| |
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File:Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 8.jpg| |
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File:Archaeological remains and artifacts of Keeladi 5.jpg|Exposed clay pipes visible in archeological site<ref name="Ramakrishna et al. 2018"/> 2020 |
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Revision as of 18:23, 19 June 2023
![]() Excavation blocks at Keezhadi | |
Alternative name | Vaigai valley civilization |
---|---|
Location | Keezhadi, Tamil Nadu, India |
Region | Thiruppuvanam, Sivaganga |
Coordinates | 9°51′47″N 78°10′56″E / 9.8630727°N 78.1820931°E |
Type | Settlement |
Area | 32.37 ha (80.0 acres) |
History | |
Founded | 580 BCE – 500 CE |
Cultures | Sangam period |
Site notes | |
Excavation dates | 2015–present |
Archaeologists | Amarnath Ramakrishna |
Management | Archaeological Survey of India, Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department |
Public access | Yes |
Keezhadi (also as Keeladi) is a Sangam period settlement and large-scale excavation being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology.[1][2] This site is located 12 km southeast of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, near the town of Keezhadi, Sivaganga district. The settlement lies on the bank of the Vaigai River and it reflects the ancient culture of Tamil Nadu.[3] Epigraphist V. Vedachalam, who served as a domain expert for the excavation, dated the excavated remains between 6th century BCE and 3rd century CE.[4]
Location
The excavation was first started in Pallisanthai Thidal which is in the north of Manalur, about a kilometer east of the town of Keezhadi in Sivagangai district. Various archaeological residues were found when plowing the land around the site. A survey was conducted for the study, which found that this ancient settlement was less than two and a half meters below the ground level.[5] The area currently being excavated is spread over 80 acres with a 3.5 km radius. The ancient towns of Kondagai and Manalur are also part of this region.[6]
Dating of site
Initially, this site was estimated to be from the period between 5th century BCE and 3rd century CE. Two samples were sent for carbon dating from this excavation site for confirmation in 2017. The results that came in July 2017 confirmed that the samples were from about 2,200 years ago (3rd century BCE).[7][8] Radiocarbon dating of samples obtained from the fourth phase of excavation revealed that one of the artifacts was from 6th century BCE.[9] In 2017, the ASI sent two samples from Keezhadi to Beta Analytic, a Miami-based radiocarbon dating laboratory. The laboratory dated the samples to be about 2,300 – 2600 years old (from 3rd century BCE).[10] In 2018, six carbon samples collected from the fourth phase of excavation were sent to Beta Analytic in the United States for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating. It was found that one sample collected at a depth of 353 cm goes back to 580 BCE.[11]
Background and status of study
An archaeological survey was first conducted in 2013, by Archaeological Survey of India, in the vicinity of the Vaigai river from Theni district to Ramanathapuram district where the river meets the sea.[12] During the study, 293 sites, including Keezhadi, were identified to have archaeological residues.[13] The first three phases of excavation at Keezhadi were conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India while the phases after that were conducted by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department.
Phases of Keezhadi excavation
First phase
In June 2015, an Archaeological Survey of India group led by Amarnath Ramakrishnan started the first phase of the excavation in the area near the Vaigai river in Keezhadi.[citation needed]
Second phase
The second phase began on 2 January 2016. Various documents, including medical jars, antique kitchen wells, and factory and government seals, were found. At the end of the second phase, more than six thousand artifacts were found. It was confirmed that these artifacts were 2,200 years old when they were tested by radiocarbon dating.[citation needed]
Third phase
The third phase of the excavation was conducted under the chairmanship of Sri Ramanan of the Archaeological Survey of India from January 2017. The work ended on 30 September 2017. In the third phase, 16 digging sites were selected, taking up a total area of 400 square meters, which is 80 acres of land.[14]
Fourth phase
The fourth phase of the excavation was conducted between 2017 and 2018, bringing out 5,820 artifacts. This phase was conducted by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department while the first three phases were conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India.[15] Six carbon samples collected from the fourth phase of excavation at Keezhadi were sent to Beta Analytic, Miami, Florida, USA for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating; samples collected at a depth of 353 cm, were dated between 580 BCE and the 1st century CE.[16][17] The graffiti marks on the artifacts obtained from the excavation site were said to be similar to the Indus Valley script by the excavators.[18] Bisnupriya Basak questioned whether the sherds actually came from the same level that was dated to the 6th century BCE. Some of the marks might have been made during the pottery-making process. Archaeologist E. Harsha Vardhan commented that “we cannot state scientifically that the Tamil-Brahmi script belongs to the sixth century BC” on the basis of this report.[17]
Fifth phase
In June 2019, the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department began the fifth phase of the excavation led by Dr R Sivanantham.[15] This phase was completed in four to five months in which 15 trenches was planned to be dug. In the 5th stage of excavation, Sangam-era bricks and more than 700 objects were found and these have been sent for testing.[19][20][21] As of 2020[update], the preliminary report of the fifth phase of excavations was nearing completion.[22]
Sixth phase
Sixth phase of excavation along with simultaneous excavation in neighbouring villages (Manalur, Kondhagai, and Agaram) began on 19 February 2020.[23]
Seventh phase
The seventh phase was launched on February 13 and began on February 19, 2021.[24]
It came to an end on September 20, 2021.[25][26]
Eight Phase
On February 11, 2022, the eighth phase of excavations began.[27]
Findings
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/KeeladiExcavationCamp9.jpg/220px-KeeladiExcavationCamp9.jpg)
Almost 48 square pits have been cut and various structures and artifacts have been found, including frosts, brick walls, roof tiles, pottery, mimic accessories, skeletal tools, iron Vel, and Tamil-Brahmi letter-etched plates.[16] This place is considered to be Pandyan dynasty's city called "Perumanalur", the pioneer of literature.[28] The use of fired brick, the size of the building complex, an array of pots placed in such a way that it must have been used either as a lamp or for painting, and other findings suggest that the settlement is of a more civilized population than was previously suspected during the Sangam period.[29][30]
Ring wells and brick walls
Ancient earthenware and ring wells have been found.[31] Archaeologist Velappan said that this proves the ancient tradition of Tamils indicating that they used these wells in river shores and ponds for water.[32] Brick buildings are considered rare in ancient times but a large number of brick buildings have been found.[33]
Pottery
The rouletted, arretine-type ceramics brought by merchants demonstrate business connections with the Roman Empire. It is noteworthy that such products have been discovered. Furthermore, black and red parchment fragments and white-colored black, red papillae and reddish-pitted pieces have also been unearthed.[34][33] There are Tamil words engraved on the potteries that mention the names of individuals like 'Aathan', 'Uthiran' and 'Thiesan'.[28][35]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/KeeladiExcavationCamp8.jpg/220px-KeeladiExcavationCamp8.jpg)
Tamil-Brahmi script and graffiti marks
In the fourth phase of excavations at Keezhadi, 72 potsherds with Tamil-Brahmi script were discovered at the site. Some of these artifacts have inscribed graffiti marks, similar to graffiti marks which some believe to have evolved from the Indus script.[36] According to T. Udhayachandran, the artifacts found at Keezhadi excavation site may point to a link between the scripts of the Indus Valley civilization and Tamil-Brahmi.[37] Based on these marks, and one Keezhadi findings of the fourth phase which was dated to 580 BCE, R. Sivanantham and M. Seran argue that the date of the earliest attestation of Tamil-Brahmi can be pushed back to the 6th century BCE,[38][39][40][41] a few centuries older than Dhamma Lipi (Prakrit in the Brahmi Script) of Ashokan Edicts, which is stated to be dated from 268 BC to 232 BC.[42] These claims have been challenged. It is not clear whether the potsherds containing inscriptions were found in the same archaeological layer as the 6th century samples, and University of Calcutta archaeologist Bishnupriya Basak said that "This unfortunately is not clear from the report and is very crucial," adding that the issues of "layer, period and absolute dates" needed clarity. Dravidian University archaeologist E. Harsha Vardhan said that a single report was not enough to "state scientifically that the Tamil-Brahmi script belongs to the sixth century BC”.[43]
Ornaments and antiquities
Ornaments have been found including sponges, marble, agate beads, green, yellow and blue glass beads.[44] The findings also include elephant tusks, copper ointment and sheets of wire.[45] Rare artifacts including iron edged corners, gold ornaments,stylus, terracotta stamps, diaphragm tiles, firefly toys have been found as well, along with other tools.
Keeladi Cluster
Keeladi was initially chosen by Amarnath Ramakrishnan and his team at ASI in a search along the banks of Vaigai for the most promising site for a river bank civilization near Madurai and was chosen because of many nearby mounds.
Other sites near Keeladi was jointly brought together with Keeladi as the main site. The Keeladi Cluster includes, Keeladi, Agaram, Manalur, Konthagai (a burial site) and Pasiapuram.[46]
Controversy
In 2017, some Tamil academicians, including V Arasu (the former head of the Department of Tamil Literature at the University of Madras), alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government had made deliberate attempts to stall the excavations at Keezhadi. Arasu claimed that the BJP government had a Hindutva agenda, and wanted to stop the Keezhadi project because the excavations at the site provided an "undeniable evidence of a secular culture in South India".[47][48]
The ASI normally conducts excavations at a major archaeological site for five seasons (years).[49] In 2016–17, after the conclusion of the second season at Keezhadi, the ASI transferred the Superintending Archaeologist (SA) K. Amarnath Ramakrishna to its Guwahati circle.[50] This caused a controversy in Tamil Nadu, leading to allegations that the ASI had deliberately transferred the SA to stall the project.[51] K. Amarnath Ramakrishna stated that he wanted to complete the excavation work at Keezhadi, and challenged his transfer order before the Central Administrative Tribunal.[50]
The ASI clarified that the transfer was ordered in accordance with the organization's policy, which mandates that the maximum tenure of an SA in a particular circle is only for two years. K Amarnath Ramakrishna had completed more than three years at the Excavation Branch VI, located in Bengaluru, under which the Keezhadi site has been excavated. So, the ASI decided to replace him with P S Sriraman, who had earlier served as a Deputy SA in the Jodhpur circle.[50] K Amarnath Ramakrishna was not the only officer to be transferred; 26 other officers had been transferred all over India. Moreover, the newly appointed SA P S Sriraman was a native of Tamil Nadu.[51]
The Union Ministry also clarified that it had no intention to stop or delay the excavations at Keezhadi. It also explained that there was a delay in allocation of funds for the third season of excavation, because the ministry had not received the report for the work done in the past two years on time. Once the report was submitted, the ministry immediately cleared the funds for the third season of excavations at Keezhadi.[49] The reports of the first two years of research will be released as a book.[52]
Gallery
The following photographs were taken at the excavation site on 11 October 2016.
See also
References
- ^ Dennis S. Jesudasan (20 September 2019). "Keezhadi excavations: Sangam era older than previously thought, finds study". The Hindu.
- ^ "Keeladi | Department Of Archaeology". www.tnarch.gov.in. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
- ^ "Keeladi: Unearthing the 'Vaigai Valley' Civilisation of Sangam era Tamil Nadu".
- ^ எஸ். அண்ணாமலை (18 June 2015). "அகழ்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டது: பாண்டிய-ரோம வணிகத் தொடர்பு (ஆங்கிலத்தில்)". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ "2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!". vikatan.com. 16 June 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ எஸ். அண்ணாமலை (18 June 2015). "அகழ்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டது: பாண்டிய-ரோம வணிகத் தொடர்பு (ஆங்கிலத்தில்)". தி இந்து (ஆங்கிலம்). Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ Dennis S. Jesudasan (28 July 2017). "Carbon dating confirms Keezhadi site is from Sangam era". thehindu.com. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
- ^ 2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!
- ^ Kavitha Muralidharan (20 September 2019). "In 'Rebuttal' to ASI, Tamil Nadu Dig Claims Proof Sangam Era Older Than Thought". The Wire.
- ^ Dennis S. Jesudasan (28 July 2017). "Carbon dating confirms T.N. site is from Sangam era". The Hindu.
- ^ "Keeladi - An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the bank of Vaigai River". The Wire. 19 September 2019.
- ^ Sruthisagar Yamunan (11 May 2017). "Sangam-era site at Keezhadi is as complex as Indus Valley, proof of a glorious Tamil civilisation". Scroll.in.
- ^ The Hindu Net Desk (13 June 2017). "Keezhadi excavation: what was found and what they mean". The Hindu.
- ^ கீழடியில் மூன்றாம் கட்ட ஆய்வுப் பணி துவக்கம்!
- ^ a b Padmini Sivarajah (13 June 2019). "Fifth phase of Keeladi excavations begins". The Times of India.
- ^ a b "Keeladi - An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the bank of Vaigai River". The Wire. 19 September 2019.
- ^ a b "Experts Question Dates of Script in Tamil Nadu's Keeladi Excavation Report". The Wire. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- ^ Sruthisagar Yamunan (20 September 2019). "Tamil Nadu: Artefacts dated to 580 BCE hint at script continuity from Indus Valley Civilisation". Scroll.in.
- ^ Padmini Sivarajah (28 June 2019). "5th phase of Keeladi excavation brings out 2 walls made of Sangam-era bricks". The Times of India.
- ^ Mridula Ramesh (14 October 2019). "Findings from Keeladi excavation site have a clear message for modern cities: Cherish your water, or perish". Firstpost.
- ^ T.K. Rohit and B. Jothi Ramalingam (13 October 2019). "Excavations in Keeladi yields its secrets". The Hindu.
- ^ "Chief Minister inaugurates sixth phase of Keezhadi excavations".
- ^ "Sixth phase of excavation at Keeladi begins".
- ^ Padmini Sivarajah (13 February 2021). "Tamil Nadu CM launches seventh phase of Keeladi excavations | Chennai News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ "7th phase excavation at Keeladi draws to a close | Madurai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ "Archaeological excavations in TN come to a close". Deccan Herald. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ Padmini Sivarajah (11 February 2022). "Tamil Nadu CM launches eighth phase of Keeladi excavation | Chennai News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ a b ஏ. ஸ்ரீகுமார் (19 August 2015). "உயிரூட்டம் கொண்ட சிற்றூரின் கீழே புதையுண்ட நகரம் (ஆங்கிலத்தில்)". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ Johnbosco, Arockiaraj (29 May 2016). "Harappa-like site surfaces in Tamil Nadu". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 May 2016.
- ^ "சங்க காலத்திலேயே வெளிநாடுகளோடு வர்த்தகம்: வணிகப் பெருவழிப் பாதையில் அமைந்த நகரம்" [Associated with Overseas Trade: Traderoute within City Pandyas]. The Hindu (in Tamil). 26 July 2015.
- ^ Pande, B. M. (1966). "Ring wells in ancient India". Bulletin of the Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute. 25: 207–219. JSTOR 42930851.
- ^ சுப.ஜனநாயகச்செல்வம் (14 August 2015). "திருப்புவனம் அருகே கீழடி பள்ளிச்சந்தை புதூரில் சங்ககால மக்களின் சுடுமண் உறைகிணறுகள் கண்டெடுப்பு". The Hindu (Tamil). Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ a b சுப. ஜனநாயகச்செல்வம் (26 July 2015). "சங்க காலத்திலேயே வெளிநாடுகளோடு வர்த்தகம்: வணிகப் பெருவழிப் பாதையில் அமைந்த நகரம்". The Hindu (Tamil). Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ ப.சூரியராஜ் (16 June 2015). "2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!". விகடன்.காம். Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ ப.சூரியராஜ் (16 June 2015). "2200 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முந்தைய பழங்கால நகரம் மதுரை அருகே கண்டுபிடிப்பு!". vikatan.com. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ MC Rajan (20 September 2019). "New study connects Tamil Nadu with Indus Valley civilisation". Hindustan Times.
- ^ Anna Isaac and Nikhita Venugopal (19 September 2019). "Major discovery in Tamil Nadu's Keezhadi: A possible link to Indus Valley Civilisation". The News Minute.
- ^ "Keezhadi charcoal and Tamil Brahmi". asiaville. 2 October 2019.
- ^ "Keezhadi -- A goldmine of artefacts". indianexpress. 1 August 2021.
- ^ https://www.infokara.com/gallery/16-ik-3566.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ https://www.vinavu.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Keeladi-Book-English-18-09-2019.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ "Carbon dating proves Adichanallur relics from Tamil Nadu are from 905 to 696 BC". 6 April 2019.
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- ^ சுப. ஜனநாயகச்செல்வம் (26 July 2015). "சங்க காலத்திலேயே வெளிநாடுகளோடு வர்த்தகம்: வணிகப் பெருவழிப் பாதையில் அமைந்த நகரம்". தி இந்து (தமிழ்). Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ "தலைநகராக இருந்த கீழடி அழிந்தது எப்படி? - புத்தக காட்சியில் தொல்லியல் ஆய்வாளர் தெரிவித்த புதிய தகவல்". The Hindu (Tamil). 8 September 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ Annamalai, S. (2 November 2019). "Keeladi: Unearthing the 'Vaigai Valley' Civilisation of Sangam era Tamil Nadu". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ Priyanka Thirumurthy (7 November 2017). "Keezhadi dig delayed as it reveals secular culture says academic, TN minister denies". The News Minute.
- ^ M T Saju (2 November 2017). "Centre stopped Keezhadi dig due to place's secular culture". The Times of India.
- ^ a b Rajasekaran RK (29 April 2017). "Centre not for stopping excavation at Keezhadi: Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma". New Indian Express.
- ^ a b c Rajasekaran R K. "Transfer of Keezhadi excavation site archaeologist final, says ASI". 24 April 2017.
- ^ a b Padmini Sivarajah (28 April 2017). "Keeladi excavation will be completed in five years, Union minister says". The Times of India.
- ^ கீழடி அகழ்வாராய்ச்சி பணிகள் 5 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு நீடிக்கும்.. ரூ.40 லட்சம் நிதி ஒதுக்கீடு- மத்திய அமைச்சர்
External links
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