• Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has presented a report on the findings at the Sangam-era site of Keeladi and their significance.
• Keeladi is a village in south Tamil Nadu along the Vaigai river near the temple city of Madurai.

Findings:

• In the eight rounds of excavations, over 18,000 artifacts have been unearthed from the site.
• Over 120 potsherds containing Tamil Brahmi inscriptions have been found.
• Spindle whorls, copper needles, terracotta seal, hanging stones of the yarn, terracotta spheres and earthen vessels to hold liquid suggest various stages of a weaving industry
• Gold ornaments, copper articles, semi-precious stones, shell bangles, ivory bangles and ivory combs reflect the artistic, culturally rich and prosperous lifestyle of the Keeladi people

Significance 

1. Keeladi and Sangam age:
   1. Keeladi’s excavations from 2015 prove that an urban civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu in the Sangam age on the banks of the Vaigai river.
   2. The unearthed artifacts from Keeladi belong to a period between sixth century BCE and first century BCE.These findings pushed the Sangam age to 800 BCE .
   3. Keeladi adds to the credibility of Sangam Literature.
2. Keeladi and IVC:
   1. The unearthed Keeladi artifacts have led to conclusion that the site is a part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation
   2. some of the symbols found in pot sherds of Keeladi bear a close resemblance to signs of Indus Valley

Related Information

ASI-Archaeological Survey of India:

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

Sangam Age

• The area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra experienced a period between the 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century A.D. known as the Sangam Period.
• It has been named after the gathering of poets (Sangam) held during that period under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai.
• The sources for this age are largely literary, though archaeological evidence has started to come up.
• Kharavela’s Hatigumpha inscription (155 BCE) provides the earliest epigraphic evidence referring to a confederacy of Tamil states.

Vaigai River

• It originates in the Western Ghats (Varushanad Hills).
• It travels through the Pandya Nadu region of Tamil Nadu.
• Its main tributaries are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal and Upparu.
• The Vaigai finally drains into the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district.