ASI Transfers Lead Archaeologist Amid Keeladi Report Controversy
Why focus: GS1 Ancient History — shifts Sangam era dating to 580 BCE. Direct conflict with older NCERT timelines makes this a prime MCQ trap.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: South Indian urbanization and the Sangam era were traditionally dated by many historians to around 300 BCE. NOW: Keeladi findings scientifically push the antiquity of the Vaigai river valley civilization back to 580 BCE.
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BEFORE: The 'second urbanization' of the 6th century BCE was almost exclusively associated with the Gangetic plains. NOW: Keeladi provides evidence of a concurrent, robust urban civilization in the deep South.
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BEFORE: K. Amarnath Ramakrishna was overseeing the finalization and publication of the authoritative ASI report on Keeladi's early phases. NOW: He has been transferred, leaving the publication of the unedited 580 BCE findings in limbo.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements regarding the Keeladi excavation is/are correct? 1. It provides evidence of an advanced urban settlement along the Vaigai river valley dating back to roughly 580 BCE. 2. The findings suggest that the urbanization in ancient South India was largely religious rather than secular in nature.