Excavations in Keeladi

#GS 01 Ancient History

Sangam Age

The Sangam age is a historical period of ancient Tamil Nadu which was believed to span from the third century BCE to the third century CE.
The name is derived from the confluence or Sangam of renowned poets of Madurai from that time who came together under the patronage of the Pandya kings.
The current understanding of history suggests that there were three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) held in the ancient South India popularly called Muchchangam.
However, the findings in Keeladi (Keezhadi) suggest that the Urbanisation of Vaigai plains happened in Tamil Nadu during the 6th century BC.
This pushes the origins of Sangam Age back by at least 300 years.

Keezhadi (also known as Keeladi) is a tiny hamlet in the Sivaganga district in south Tamil Nadu.
Keeladi excavation site is being excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology.
In 2019, TNSDA was able to date the unearthed artefacts from Keeladi to a period between sixth century BCE and first century BCE.
The site is referred as part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation amongst academics.
Moreover, it has recieved comparisons with the Indus Valley Civilisation even though there exists a cultural gap of 1,000 years between the two places.
TNSDA have confirmed that Keeladi has all the characteristics of an urban civilisation, with brick structures, luxury items and proof of internal and external trade.
Over 18,000 artefacts have been unearthed from the site during the eight rounds of excavations.
This includes over 120 potsherds containing Tamil Brahmi inscriptions that have been found.