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.
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Archaeological Survey of India:
Sangam Age
Vaigai River
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Source: TH
