25th August 2025 (18 Topics)
1
Aug
2
Aug
4
Aug
5
Aug
6
Aug
7
Aug
8
Aug
9
Aug
11
Aug
12
Aug
13
Aug
14
Aug
15
Aug
16
Aug
18
Aug
19
Aug
20
Aug
21
Aug
22
Aug
23
Aug
25
Aug
26
Aug
Keeladi Excavations and ASI Credibility
Context:
The transfer of archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna and disputes over his Keeladi excavation report have once again brought the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under public scrutiny regarding transparency and scientific integrity.
Keeladi Excavations – Significance
- Began in 2014; unearthed 7,500 artefacts under ASI and later 18,000 artefacts under the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department.
- Evidence suggests a literate, urban, secular society in the Vaigai Valley Civilisation.
- Bridges historical gap between the Iron Age (12th–6th BCE) and the Early Historic Period (6th–4th BCE).
- Linked to the Second Urbanisation of India (6th–2nd BCE).
Issues with ASI’s Approach
- Abrupt transfer of archaeologists (e.g., 2017 transfer of Ramakrishna) created suspicion of political interference.
- Delays in publishing excavation reports (e.g., Adichanallur and Sivagalai took >15 years).
- Selective emphasis on mytho-historical narratives (e.g., associating Rajasthan excavations with Saraswati River and the Mahabharata period) raises credibility concerns.
- Reliance on outdated Wheeler method, lack of comprehensive research designs, and absence of international peer review weaken scientific standards.
Global Best Practices and Needed Reforms
- International institutions like DeutschesArchäologischesInstitut (Germany) and INRAP (France) publish findings widely, ensuring transparency and scholarly engagement.
- Indian archaeology needs financial autonomy, modern methods (stratigraphy, AMS dating, GIS mapping), and pluralistic interpretation of the past.
- Structural reforms in ASI are necessary to prevent methodological nationalism and ensure an inclusive understanding of India’s diverse historical heritage.
More Articles
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
