In 2013-14, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carried out explorations in 293 sites along the Vaigai river valley in Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts. Keezhadi in Sivaganga district was chosen for excavation and artefacts unearthed by the ASI in the second phase of the excavation at Pallichanthai Thidal of Keezhadi pointed to an ancient civilisation that thrived on the banks of the Vaigai.
Carbon dating of charcoal found at the Keezhadi site in February 2017 established that the settlement there belonged to 200 BC. The excavations thus proved that urban civilisation had existed in Tamil Nadu since the Sangam age.
The excavation at Keezhadi has been carried out at two localities in the farm. “Both the places have yielded different items and we presume they represent a social hierarchy,” said Amarnath who was until recently working at the site. The bigger of the two locations with more number of trenches is said to be a settlement of educated rich people, as many jewellery, fine game stones, semi-precious stones and a dozen Tamil Brahmi inscriptions have been found. Beads of agate, Carnelian and quartz indicate that they had trade link with countries like Rome. The Tamil Brahmi letters found on pottery is all names of individuals such as, Thisan, Aadhan and Udhiran, which are typical of Sangam Age Tamil names.
The second locality has more of graffiti on pottery, bone tools and iron weapons. the fish symbol which was both an art and as a ‘sign representing a clan, was also unearthed. Red-and-black pottery, groove tiles used for laying roofs and the typical flat brick measuring 38 centimetres are the other indications that the city unearthed belongs to the Sangam Age.
The third phase of the excavation work at Keezhadi in Sivaganga commenced on May 27, 2017. Workers beginning the digging of trenches at the excavation site.
Workers beginning the digging of trenches at the excavation site.
Sangam age terracotta structure found
An overview of the excavated trenches in a coconut plantation at Keezhadi with a pottery yard in the middle.
The Sangam age black and red pottery found at the site.
The Sangam age iron objects unearthed.
The Sangam age pearls found at ASI's excavation site at Keezhadi in Sivaganga district.
The Sangam age terracotta seal
The brick structure that resembles an ante-chamber
Array of artefacts: 1. Stone celts found in the trenches. These were used for sharpening tools and, according to ASI archaeologists. 2. Terracotta structures depicting earlobes 3. Circular and square Chola- and Pandya-period coins.4. Ivory structures depicting earlobes 5. Chess games made of ivory.6. A copper-antimony rod and a ring, bangles and beads made of copper.7. Arrowheads made of iron and bone. 8. Tiny bi-conical gold beads. 9. Iron implements such as forceps/thongs, nails, spearheads, knives, daggers, arrowheads and celts.
The brick structure that resembles an ante-chamber found at the excavation site at Keezhadi near Madurai.
The brick structure that resembles an ante-chamber found at the excavation site at Keezhadi near Madurai.
The terracotta ring wells that were excavated at Keezhadi
Some of the antiquities found by the ASI at Keezhadi.
A cow-shaped antiquity found at Keezhadi
A rare earthenware pot found being cleaned at the excavation site
A copper coin belonging to Pandya period that was found at the excavation site
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