The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently presented a report on the findings at the Sangam-era site of Keeladi, a village in south Tamil Nadu along the Vaigai river near the temple city of Madurai. The report sheds light on the significance of the findings from the eight rounds of excavations conducted at the site, which unearthed over 18,000 artifacts.

Findings at Keeladi

The excavations at Keeladi have yielded over 120 potsherds containing Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, spindle whorls, copper needles, terracotta seals, hanging stones of yarn, terracotta spheres, and earthen vessels to hold liquid. These artifacts suggest various stages of a weaving industry. Additionally, gold ornaments, copper articles, semi-precious stones, shell bangles, ivory bangles, and ivory combs have been found, reflecting the artistic, culturally rich, and prosperous lifestyle of the Keeladi people.

Significance of Findings

The Keeladi excavations have proven that an urban civilization existed in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam age on the banks of the Vaigai river. The unearthed artifacts from Keeladi belong to a period between the sixth century BCE and first century BCE, pushing the Sangam age back to 800 BCE. Keeladi’s findings add to the credibility of Sangam Literature, and the unearthed Keeladi artifacts have led to the conclusion that the site is a part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation. Additionally, some of the symbols found in potsherds of Keeladi bear a close resemblance to signs of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Archaeological Survey of India

The ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of India. It functions under the Ministry of Culture and is responsible for maintaining the archaeological sites, ancient monuments, and remains of national importance. The ASI regulates all archaeological activities as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

Sangam Age

The Sangam Period, named after the gathering of poets (Sangam) held during that period under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai, lasted between the 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century A.D. The area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra experienced this period, which has been largely documented through literary sources.

However, archaeological evidence has recently started to come up, and Kharavela’s Hatigumpha inscription (155 BCE) provides the earliest epigraphic evidence referring to a confederacy of Tamil states.

Why In News

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently published a report highlighting the discoveries made at the Keeladi site, shedding light on the existence of an urban civilization in the Sangam era. The report details the excavation of over 18,000 artifacts and their significance in pushing back the timeline of the Sangam age.

MCQs about Keeladi

  1. What is the significance of the Keeladi excavations?
    A. Proving the existence of an urban civilization in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam age
    B. Discovering the oldest civilization in South India
    C. Uncovering the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization in Tamil Nadu
    D. Proving the existence of a Harappan civilization in South India
    Correct Answer: A. Proving the existence of an urban civilization in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam age.
    Explanation: The Keeladi excavations have provided evidence that an urban civilization existed in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam age, which adds to the credibility of Sangam Literature.
  2. What do the Keeladi artifacts suggest about the lifestyle of the Keeladi people?
    A. They reflect a culturally rich and prosperous lifestyle.
    B. They suggest a primitive and nomadic lifestyle.
    C. They reflect a simple and austere lifestyle.
    D. They suggest a rural and agricultural lifestyle.
    Correct Answer: A. They reflect a culturally rich and prosperous lifestyle.
    Explanation: The gold ornaments, copper articles, semi-precious stones, shell bangles, ivory bangles, and ivory combs unearthed from Keeladi reflect an artistic, culturally rich, and prosperous lifestyle of the Keeladi people.
  3. What is the period to which the artifacts found at Keeladi belong?
    A. Sixth century BCE to first century BCE
    B. Third century BCE to third century AD
    C. Second century BCE to first century CE
    D. Fourth century BCE to second century AD
    Correct Answer: A. Sixth century BCE to first century BCE
    Explanation: The artifacts found at Keeladi belong to a period between the sixth century BCE and the first century BCE.
  4. Which of the following Acts regulates all archaeological activities in India?
    A. The Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972
    B. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
    C. The Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878
    D. The National Heritage Act, 1980
    Correct Answer: B. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
    Explanation: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, regulates all archaeological activities in India, including the protection of ancient monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.

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