Recent excavations at Keeladi, a village in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, have brought to light compelling evidence of a thriving settlement dating back to the 6th century BCE. This discovery, supported by radiocarbon dating, is reshaping our understanding of ancient Tamil civilization and its place in the broader Indian context. The findings suggest that Keeladi was an urban and industrial hub that flourished for approximately 800 years, from the 6th century BCE to the 2nd century CE.
The Keeladi site, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River, about 12 km southeast of Madurai, has been the focus of intense archaeological activity since 2015. Initially led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the excavations are now being carried out by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA). Over 18,000 artifacts have been unearthed, including pottery, inscribed potsherds, gold ornaments, copper articles, semi-precious stones, shell and ivory bangles, glass beads, spindle whorls, terracotta seals, and weaving tools.
Radiocarbon dating, conducted by US laboratory Beta Analytics, has been crucial in establishing the age of the Keeladi settlement. The earliest sample dates back to 580 BCE, contemporary with the urbanization of the Gangetic plains. This challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of urbanization in South India, suggesting that the Vaigai plains were developing in parallel with the Indo-Gangetic plains. The Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found on pottery shards have also pushed back the origin of the script to the 6th century BCE.
These discoveries point to a sophisticated, literate society with well-developed trade networks. Artefacts like agate and carnelian beads indicate external trade, while items such as dice and hopscotch pieces suggest leisure activities. The presence of industries such as pottery, weaving, dyeing, and bead-making further underscores the urban character of the settlement. The findings also reveal a life of luxury, as evidenced by gold and ivory artifacts.
Despite the significance of the Keeladi finds, only a small portion of the 110-acre site has been excavated. The Tamil Nadu government plans to continue excavations and establish a museum to showcase the findings. Madurai Kamaraj University researchers are also analyzing ancient human and animal DNA to understand the migration and admixture of the ancient inhabitants of Keeladi and the nearby village of Kondagai.
The Keeladi excavations have not been without controversy. The ASI's recent request for archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna, who led the initial excavations, to revise his report has sparked debate. The ASI has cited the need for more authentic data, while Ramakrishna has defended his findings. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has stated that the report is not yet technically well-supported and requires further scientific studies. However, the Tamil Nadu state government has criticized the Centre's approach, alleging a bias against Tamil history.
Despite these challenges, the Keeladi finds have ignited a wave of interest in Tamil history and archaeology. They provide concrete evidence of an advanced urban civilization in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam Age, challenging existing narratives and prompting further research into the region's rich past. The ongoing excavations promise to reveal even more about the lives and culture of the people who inhabited this thriving 6th-century BCE settlement.
