The significance of the findings in Keeladi site

Thekeeladi site is found near Madurai at banks of River Vaigai, where the excavations from 2015 prove that an urban civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu in the Sangam age.

Link between Sangam Age and Keeladi site:

• 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.
• 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 discovered that Sangam age waspresent in 800 BCE based according to archaeological findings.

Significance of the site:

• 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.

Links with Indus valley civilisation:

• 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.
• Till now, the gap is filled with Iron Age material in south India, which serves as residual links.
• However, some of the symbols found in pot sherds of Keeladi bear a close resemblance to Indus Valley signs.
• A lot of digging and study has to be done to establish the links between these two civilisations.
  

Key findings from the site:

• Keeladi has all the characteristics of an urban civilisation, with brick structures, luxury items and proof of internal and external trade.
• It comes across as an industrious and advanced civilisation and has given evidence of urban life and settlements in Tamil Nadu during the Early Historic Period.
• Keeladi has also added to the credibility of Sangam Literature.

• 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.