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Kilnamandi Sarcophagus: Late Harappan Link to Tamil Nadu Burials

22 September 20251 min read
NATIONAL AFFAIRSKilnamandiSarcophagus: LateHarappan Link toTamil Nadu Burials22 September 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Archaeologists found a terracotta sarcophagus at Kilnamandi village. Funeral-pyre charcoal was dated by AMS radiocarbon to 1692 BCE, the Late Harappan phase.

Key facts

  • A burial coffin holding charcoal, pottery and grave goods; it reveals customs of ancient Tamilakam.
ThemeEvidenceMeaning
TradeCarnelian beads from Gujarat and MaharashtraLinks between south India and northern Harappan centres
GraffitiFork-like and U-shaped marks, ~90% match with Indus signsTradition in Tamil Nadu dates to 17th century BCE
SocietyIron tools, pottery, grave goodsComplex society, possibly clan-specific burials

Exam angle

  • Dating method: AMS radiocarbon.
  • District: Tiruvannamalai.

Test yourself

1. Which dating method was used to date the charcoal found with the Kilnamandi sarcophagus?

The deposit was dated by the AMS radiocarbon method.

2. The Kilnamandi sarcophagus is placed in which phase of the Harappan civilisation?

The date of 1692 BCE places it in the Late Harappan period.

3. Carnelian beads in the Kilnamandi burial were sourced from which regions?

The beads came from Gujarat and Maharashtra, hinting at long-distance trade.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 21 & 22 September 2025 (16 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizSeptember 2025

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