Why in news? Archaeological Survey of India (ASI’s) Keeladi report pushes Sangam age further back to 800 BCE

Highlights:

• Based on the stratigraphy of the cultural deposits found in the first two phases, the period of the Sangam era archaeological site has been placed between 8th century BCE to 3rd century CE.
• Sangam age was believed to be between 300 BCE to 300 CE and new report repositions the Sangam age between 800 BCE and 300 CE.
• According to the report, the fertile nature of the area and cattle rearing played a crucial role in its evolution, paving the way for excess production of rice and sea trading of the inhabitants.

About Keeladi excavation site

• Keeladi is a Sangam age settlement that is being excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology.
• This site is located southeast of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, near the town of Keezhadi in Sivagangai district.
• The settlement lies on the bank of the Vaigai River and it reflects the ancient culture of Tamil people.
• This place is considered to be Pandyan dynasty’s city called “Perumanalur“, the pioneer of literature.
• Water supply and wastewater are considered as important landmarks of civil development.
• Tamil-Brahmi script and graffiti marks were also found
• Some findings suggest that the settlement is of a more civilized population than was previously suspected during the Sangam period