Excavations of Keeladi and seven other sites

Context:

Recently, The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has granted permission to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology to undertake excavations at Keeladi and seven other sites for one year.

Objectives of the Excavations:

The current excavation phase aims to:

·         Study ancient iron technology

·         Explore maritime trade networks

·         Establish cultural and economic links with Roman and other civilizations

Key Highlights of the Excavations:

Large-scale excavation drive

·         A total of 13 sites will be excavated in Tamil Nadu—highest in six decades.

·         Excavations are expected to begin soon and continue until September (before monsoon).

Sites approved for excavation

Apart from Keeladi, seven major sites include:

·         Nagapattinam – ancient maritime centre

·         Manikollai – Sangam-era glass bead production

·         Vellalur – Roman coin findings

·         Karivalamvanthanallur – Roman trade links

·         Adichanur – Iron Age burial site

·         Thelunganur – Iron Age remains

·         Pattinamarudur – conch ornament production

These sites reflect diverse cultural phases—Iron Age, Sangam Age, and early historic trade networks.

About Keeladi Excavation Site:

• • Located near Madurai, Tamil Nadu along Vaigai River
  • Represents Sangam Age civilisation (c. 6th century BCE onwards)
  • Excavations started in 2015

Key Findings:

• • Urban settlement with:
    • Brick structures
    • Drainage systems
    • Industrial activity (beads, dyes)
  • Evidence of:
    • Early literacy (Tamil-Brahmi script)
    • Trade links (Roman artefacts)

The Keeladi excavations clearly indicate a significant transition from the Iron Age to the early historic period. Initially, the region was associated with the Megalithic culture, where burial practices were prominent, but over time, an organized urban settlement developed. This transformation shows that urbanization in South India evolved independently and progressed parallel to the Gangetic Valley civilization, thereby strengthening the idea of a multi-centric development of civilization in India.

About ASI:

• • Established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham
  • Under Ministry of Culture

Functions:

• • • Archaeological excavations & conservation
    • Protection of monuments (AMASR Act, 1958)
    • Epigraphy & numismatics studies

About Sangam Age (300 BCE – 300 CE):

• • Earliest Tamil literature: Sangam texts
  • Society:
    • Urban centres
    • Trade-based economy
  • Political units:
    • Chera, Chola, Pandya

Centre–State Issues in Archaeology:

• • Excavation requires ASI permission even for states
  • Recent controversy:
    • Delay in approvals raised by M. K. Stalin
  • Reflects:
    • Federal tensions
    • Control over interpretation of history

Broader Cultural Importance:

• • Challenges North-centric view of ancient urbanisation
  • Supports idea of multiple centres of civilisation in India
  • Strengthens narrative of indigenous urban development

Prelims Pointers:

• • Keeladi → Sangam Age site
  • Located on → Vaigai River
  • Associated script → Tamil-Brahmi
  • Excavation authority → ASI approval mandatory

Conclusion:

The renewed excavation approvals mark a turning point in understanding India’s ancient past. Keeladi, in particular, is emerging as a key site redefining early Indian urban history, with implications for archaeology, historiography, and federal governance.