Context: 

The excavations from 2015 at Keeladi hamlet in the Sivaganga district in south Tamil Nadu prove that an urban civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu in the Sangam age on the banks of the Vaigai river.

About Sangam age and linkage of Keeladi: 

• The Sangam age is a period of history in ancient Tamil Nadu which was believed to be from the third century BCE to the third century CE. 
• The name is derived from the renowned Sangam poets of Madurai from that time. 

Various Excavations:

• Excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department (TNSDA) have pushed the Sangam age further back. 
• In 2019, a TNSDA report dated the unearthed artefacts from Keeladi to a period between sixth century BCE and first century BCE. 
  • The findings in the TNSDA report placed Keeladi artefacts about 300 years earlier than the previously believed third century BCE. 
• A recent ASI report by the Superintendent Archaeologist who discovered Keeladi in 2015, has pushed the Sangam age to 800 BCE based on these archaeological findings. 

Importance of Keeladi excavation:

• Keeladi could also provide crucial evidence for understanding the missing links of the Iron Age (12th century BCE to sixth century BCE) to the Early Historic Period (sixth century BCE to fourth century BCE) and subsequent cultural developments.

Are there links to the Indus Valley? 

• The unearthed Keeladi artefacts have led academics to describe the site as part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation. 
• The findings have also invited comparisons with the Indus Valley Civilisation while acknowledging the cultural gap of 1,000 years between the two places. 
• Some of the symbols found in pot sherds of Keeladi bear a close resemblance to Indus Valley signs. 
• TNSDA affirms that Keeladi has all the characteristics of an urban civilisation, with brick structures, luxury items and proof of internal and external trade. 

What has been unearthed so far?

• Unearthing heaps of pottery suggests the existence of a pottery making industry, mostly made of locally available raw materials. 
• Over 120 potsherds containing Tamil Brahmi inscriptions have been found which clearly suggest the long survival of the script. 
• 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. 
• There also existed a dyeing industry and a glass bead 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. 
• Agate and carnelian beads suggest import through commercial networks while terracotta and ivory dice, gamesmen and evidence of hopscotch have been unearthed revealing their pastime hobbies.

News Source: The Hindu