Keeladi is an important archeological site in Tamil Nadu. First discovered in 2014, the site has led us to the discovery of ring wells, furnaces, fossils, and other important archeological items.
According to the website of Sivaganga (sivaganga.nic.in):
Carbon dating of charcoal found at the Keezhadi site in February 2017 established that the settlement there belonged to 200 BC. The excavations thus proved that urban civilisation had existed in Tamil Nadu since the Sangam age.
Today, the Keeladi/Keezhadi Archeological Museum was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Mr. M K Stalin.
The museum has over 15,000 artifacts unearthed from this important archeological site.
The foundation stone of the museum was laid in July 2020. The museum is spread over two acres, with a built-up area of 31,000 sft and has been built at a cost of 18.4 crore rupees. (1 crore is 10 million).
Built-up area is that part of the land that has a structure on it. In most buildings, some part of the land is left open for greenery, plants, open area, etc., and a building is made on the remaining part of the plot. The area covered by the building is called the built-up area.
The museum is constructed in the style of Chettinad houses. This architectural style is marked by a large central courtyard, lined on all side by a corridor, into which rooms open. There is a portico style seating area outside the house for guests.
Images tweeted by @CMO Tamil Nadu and Karthi Chidambaram
Why is this site important?
Before these excavations, the generally accepted time period of Sangam Age was 3rd Century BCE to 3rd Century AD. However, we now know that this region had an urban civilisation as early as 6th Century BCE. This pushes back the known age of Sangam civilisation. It also illustrates that urban civilisation is older than we currently know it to be.
Previous Coverage of Keeladi
We have, in the past, covered important excavations at Keeladi.
This ring well is now featured in the museum :).