Description

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Context:

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has indicated that the report on the Keeladi excavations, given by archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, is not yet "technically well-supported" and requires additional scientific research.

What is Keeladi Village?

Keeladi is a small hamlet in the Sivaganga district of south Tamil Nadu.
It is located along the Vaigai River, some 12 kilometers southeast of Madurai, the temple city.
Excavations here in 2015 show that an urban civilization existed in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam age on the banks of the Vaigai River.

Historical Significance

Excavation History	Excavations began in 2015, initially by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and later taken over by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology.
Artefacts Unearthed	Over 18,000 artefacts found, including pottery, inscribed potsherds, gold ornaments, copper items, semi-precious stones, shell/ivory bangles, glass beads, spindle whorls, terracotta seals, and weaving tools.
Pottery and Inscriptions	Rich collection of pottery, with over 120 potsherds bearing Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, indicating early literacy and script continuity.
Urban Settlement	Findings suggest a well-planned urban settlement, with industries like pottery, weaving, dyeing, and bead-making.
Trade and Lifestyle	Artefacts such as agate and carnelian beads point to trade networks, while objects like dice and hopscotch pieces indicate aspects of daily life and recreation.

How is Keeladi linked to Sangam Age?

The Sangam Age, also known as the Tamil Sangam period, is a significant era in South Indian history.
Named after the Sangam, an assembly of Tamil poets and intellectuals, this era saw a great cultural and literary blossoming in India's south.
It is estimated to have lasted from roughly 300 BCE until 300 CE.

Source: The Hindu

Practice Question:

Q. With reference to the archaeological findings at Keeladi in Tamil Nadu, consider the following statements:

The site provides evidence of an early urban settlement during the Sangam Age.
Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions on potsherds suggest the prevalence of literacy.
Artefacts found at Keeladi indicate links to Roman trade and industrial activity.
Keeladi is located on the banks of the Cauvery River.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Options:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct: Keeladi reveals an urban settlement dating back to the Sangam Age.
Statement 2 – Correct: Tamil-Brahmi script found on potsherds confirms literacy.
Statement 3 – Correct: Artefacts such as Roman rouletted ware and industrial tools suggest trade and industrial activity.
Statement 4 – Incorrect: Keeladi is located on the banks of the Vaigai River, not the Cauvery.