Context: Findings from excavation at Keeladi village in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district provide compelling evidence of urban civilisation that existed in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam age.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Keeladi.
About Keeladi
- Keeladi is a small village in the Sivaganga district in Tamil Nadu.
- It is about 12 km south-east to the temple city of Madurai and is located along the Vaigai river.
Keeladi Findings:
- The excavations here from 2015 prove that an urban civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu in the Sangam Age on the banks of the Vaigai river.
- Carbon dating of charcoal discovered at the site in February 2017 established that the settlement dates back to 6th century BCE.
- Houses built with burnt bricks, well-laid drainage systems, water tanks, and deep wells reflect urban planning and engineering skills.
- Evidence of industries such as pottery, weaving, dyeing, and bead-making.
- Square-shaped trenches reveal remnants of furnaces containing soot and ash, confirming that Keeladi was a centre for manufacturing beads made from quartz, carnelian, glass, agate, and other materials.
- Discovery of spindle whorls, terracotta beads, and tools points to organised economic activity.
- The findings also indicate trade and cultural exchange with the Indus Valley Civilisation.
- Over 120 potsherds containing Tamil Brahmi inscriptions have been found. There are Tamil words engraved on the potteries that mention the names of individuals like 'Aathan', 'Uthiran' and 'Thiesan'.
How is Keeladi linked to the Sangam Age?
- The Sangam age is a period of history in ancient Tamil Nadu which was believed to be from the third century BCE to the third century CE. The name is derived from the renowned Sangam poets of Madurai from that time.
- Excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department (TNSDA) have pushed the Sangam age further back.
- In 2019, a TNSDA report dated the unearthed artefacts from Keeladi to a period between sixth century BCE and first century BCE.
- One of the six samples collected at a depth of 353 cm, sent for carbon dating in the US, dated back to 580 BCE.
- Keeladi could provide crucial evidence for understanding the missing links of the Iron Age (12th century BCE to sixth century BCE) to the Early Historic Period (sixth century BCE to fourth century BCE) and subsequent cultural developments.
What is the controversy surrounding Keeladi?
- After reports of possible links with the Indus Valley Civilisation, the third round (2017) of diggings by the ASI saw a delayed start.
- Superintending Archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna was transferred to Assam, allegedly in a perceived attempt to play down the excavation findings.
- Keeladi almost faded from public memory as there was no “significant finding” in the third round. This led to criticism that the excavation had been deliberately restricted to 400 metres.
Are there Links to Indus Valley?
- The unearthed Keeladi artefacts have led academics to describe the site as part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation.
- The findings have also invited comparisons with the Indus Valley Civilisation while acknowledging the cultural gap of 1000 years between the two places.
- Till now, the gap is filled with Iron Age material in south India, which serve as residual links.
- However, some of the symbols found in pot sherds of Keeladi bear a close resemblance to Indus Valley signs.
- TNSDA affirms that Keeladi has all the characteristics of an urban civilisation, with brick structures, luxury items and proof of internal and external trade. Keeladi has also added to the credibility of Sangam Literature.