Residents of “Sudukattu Theru” at Manaveli near Ariankuppam accidentally found a few urns while digging holes to lay foundation for a house.
While one urn, along with small pots, tumblers and jugs was removed from the site, a large urn was jutting out of the ground. The urn which was removed contained broken skeletal remains.
The findings assume importance as the village is situated a few km away from Arikamedu, an archaeological site in Ariankuppam where Mortimer Wheeler conducted excavation. A senior official in the district administration told The Hindu that they would inform the Archaeological Survey of India about the urns and other objects. “We will be formally writing to the ASI to conduct a detailed study,” he said.