Keeladi Excavation: Vaigai Valley Urban Site and Sangam Age
Why in the news
Keeladi became a focus of archaeological interest and political debate after digs suggested an advanced urban society beside the Vaigai.
Key facts
- Excavations began in 2014 under K. Amarnath Ramakrishna.
- Over 18,000 antiquities; carbon dating gives 800 BCE to 1st century CE.
- Tamil-Brahmi pottery is dated to the 5th century BCE or earlier.
| Category | Finds |
|---|---|
| Ornaments | Gold, copper, glass, shell, ivory; agate and carnelian beads |
| Tools and games | Spindle whorls, seals, weaving and dyeing tools, dice, hopscotch tiles |
| Urban traces | Brick structures, ring wells, pottery, textile and metal zones |
Significance
- Tamil-Brahmi suggests literacy in an urban society.
- Graffiti resemble Indus signs despite a roughly 1,000-year gap.
- Linked to a proposed Vaigai Valley Civilisation.
- No religious structures: a trade-oriented society.
About the Sangam Age
- Traditionally 300 BCE-300 CE; Keeladi may push its start to 800 BCE.
- Named for assemblies of Tamil poets and scholars, centred on Madurai.
Exam angle
- River: Vaigai; script: Tamil-Brahmi.