The Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department (TNAD) has uncovered extensive cultural deposits during their excavation project at the Keeladi site, situated in the Sivaganga district. Their findings suggest that these deposits can be traced back to a time between the 6th century BC and the 1st century AD.
Discovery at Keeladi
The report titled ‘Keeladi-An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the Banks of River Vaigai’ has unearthed fascinating elements about the past. It was earlier conjectured that the artefacts found at Keeladi belonged to the 3rd century BC. However, carbon dating tests have established that the Tamil-Brahmi script from this site dates back to around 580 BC. This evidence indicates that the second phase of urbanization in the Vaigai plains of Tamil Nadu happened during the 6th century BC, contemporary with the Iron Age and the emergence of various Heterodox sects in the Gangetic plains.
Evidence of Agriculture and Industry
An assortment of skeletal fragments belonging to various animals like Cow/Ox, Buffalo, Sheep, Goat, Nilgai, Blackbuck, Wild boar, and Peacock have been found. This points towards the usage of animals predominantly for agricultural activities during that era. Artifacts like pottery specimens suggest that the local population shaped water containers and cooking vessels out of locally available raw materials. Furthermore, tools like spindle whorls, pinpointed bone tip tools, hanging stones of the yarn, terracotta spheres, copper needle, and earthen vessels are a clear indication of a thriving weaving industry encompassing various stages like spinning, yarning, looming, weaving and dyeing.
Significance of Sangam Age
The term ‘Sangam’ is a Tamil word derived from the Sanskrit word Sangha which translates to a group of persons or an association. The Tamil Sangam was essentially an assembly of poets who thrived in three distinct periods and places under the patronage of the Pandyan kings. The Sangam literature offers valuable insights into the living conditions of people around the onset of the Christian era, dealing with topics relating to public and social activities like government, war charity, trade, worship, agriculture, etc.
Inventory of Cultural Artefacts
| Artefact | Description |
|---|---|
| Tamil-Brahmi Script | The earliest script used by Tamils. |
| Sangam Literature | Consists of earliest Tamil works, poems, anthologies, minor works and epics. |
| Grantha Script | An angular script evolved from Brahmi; Modern Tamil is derived from this. |
| Potteries | Water containers and cooking vessels made of local materials. |
| Weaving Tools | Various tools indicating stages of weaving industry. |
| Animal Skeletons | Fragments of numerous animals, signifying agricultural practices. |
Vaigai River and Its Significance
The Vaigai River flows eastward and its basin is among the 12 key basins located between the Cauvery River and Kanyakumari. The Cardamom Hills and the Palani Hills border this basin on the west, with the Palk Strait and Palk Bay delineating it on the east. These geographical features and their relevance to the cultural findings at Keeladi form an essential part of Tamil Nadu’s historical heritage.