Call Us Now

+91 9606900005 / 04

For Enquiry

legacyiasacademy@gmail.com

ASI allows retired T.N. archaeologist to prepare report on Keeladi excavations

What is Keeladi and Why It Matters

  • Location: Keeladi, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu.
  • Findings: Urban settlement traces, brick structures, script inscriptions, pottery, and industrial remains.
  • Significance: Indicates a Sangam-era urban civilisation (circa 6th century BCE – 3rd century CE), suggesting:
    • Continuity of Tamil culture
    • Urban centres along the Vaigai river valley
    • Advanced trade, literacy, and planned habitation pre-dating many north Indian sites.

Relevance : GS 1(Culture ,Heritage,History )

Timeline of Excavations

PhaseYearLead Agency/ArchaeologistKey Findings
I–II2015–2016K. Amarnath Ramakrishna (ASI)Brick structures, graffiti suggesting urban life
III2017P.S. Sriraman (ASI)Controversial – no continuity reported in structures
IV+2018 onwardsTamil Nadu State Archaeology Dept.Continued urban findings; now in 10th phase by 2025

Institutional Conflict

  • 2017: ASI transferred Ramakrishna to Assam post-phase II, despite breakthrough findings.
  • Sriraman Phase (III): Claimed lack of continuity with prior phases → criticized for downplaying significance.
  • 2024–25: ASI permitted Sriraman to complete pending reports for Phase III (Keeladi) and Kodumanal.
  • Meanwhile: ASI asked Ramakrishna to revise his original reports — he refused, defending his conclusions as sound and peer-worthy.

 Keeladi vs Kodumanal

  • Kodumanal: Located in Erode district — known for bead-making industry, iron tools, and trade links with the Roman Empire.
  • Sriraman also excavated one season here; report pending.

Current Progress

  • 10 Phases completed at Keeladi (State-led).
  • Hundreds of antiquities recovered.
  • Material stored in Chennai, facilitating ongoing study and report writing.

Governance Challenges

  • Conflict of Interpretations: Differences in archaeological conclusions reflecting possible ideological or bureaucratic interference.
  • Central vs State Dynamics: Shift of excavation control from ASI to Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Dept. led to more sustained exploration.
  • Report Delays: Highlights need for a time-bound reporting framework in Indian archaeology.

Implications for Indian Cultural History

  • Counters Aryan-centric narratives: Keeladi suggests Dravidian urbanism existed independently and early.
  • Sangam Age Reimagined: Reinforces historicity of Sangam literature describing trade, urban governance, literacy, and culture.
  • Decentralised Heritage Management: Tamil Nadu’s persistence led to deeper exploration, setting an example for other States.

July 2025
MTWTFSS
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031 
Categories