The Thamirabarani civilization, located in Tamil Nadu, has been determined to be at least 3,200 years old. This conclusion was drawn based on the carbon dating of organic material recovered from archeological excavations in Sivakalai, a location in the Thoothukudi district.
About Carbon Dating
Carbon dating, a popular scientific method, helps establish the age or date of organic matter by looking at the relative proportions of carbon isotopes – carbon-12 and carbon-14. It provides a reliable estimate of the time frame in which the matter existed.
The Thamirabarani River
Named after the shortest river in Tamil Nadu, the Thamirabarani civilization is understood to have rich cultural significance. The Thamirabarani River originates from the Pothigai hills of the Western Ghats in the Ambasamudram taluk, runs through the districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, eventually meeting the Gulf of Mannar (Bay of Bengal) at Korkai in the Tirunelveli district.
Significance of the Findings
These findings could point towards a city civilization, known as the Porunai River (Thamirabarani) civilization, in southern India dating back to 3,200 years ago, coinciding with the later part of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Consequently, this leads to a push for further archaeological excavations in other states and countries in search of Tamil roots.
In the first phase, studies will be carried out at the ancient port of Muziris, currently known as Pattanam in Kerala. The goal here is to establish the antiquity and culture of the Chera empire. Also, research will be conducted in Quseir al-Qadim and Pernica Anekke in Egypt, which were once part of the Roman empire, and in Khor Rori in Oman, to confirm the Tamils’ trade relations with these countries. The existence of potsherds bearing Tamil scripts in these countries hints at such connections.
Moreover, studies will also extend to Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, where King Rajendra Chola held dominance.
Historical Significance of the Tamil Dynasties
The three major ruling houses of Tamil India, namely the Pandyas, Cheras, and Cholas, constantly competed for the control of southern India and Sri Lanka. These dynasties played a significant role in promoting early literature on the Indian subcontinent and constructing vital Hindu temples.
Sangam literature, composed over six centuries (3rd BCE – 3rd CE), contains references to several Chola, Chera, and Pandya kings.
More Recent Findings
Among other archaeological discoveries, a silver punch marked coin dating back to the 4th century BC was excavated from Keezhadi in Tamil Nadu. This coin, embellished with symbols of the sun, the moon, taurine, and other geometric patterns, precedes the era of the ancient Maurya Empire (321-185 B.C.E).
Several ongoing archeological digs such as in Kodumanal, Keeladi, Korkai, and Sivakalai, within Tamil Nadu, are revealing new information. Carbon dating suggests that the Keeladi civilization dates back to the 6th century BC.