History, Art & CultureImportant2026-03-13

ASI Approves 11th Phase Keeladi Excavations

Q: With reference to the Keeladi archaeological site, consider the following statements: 1. It is a Sangam-era settlement located on the banks of the Kaveri river. 2. Findings at the site have pushed the date of the Tamil-Brahmi script back to the 6th century BCE. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

B - 2 only — Statement 1 is incorrect because Keeladi is located on the banks of the Vaigai river, not the Kaveri river. Statement 2 is correct as carbon dating of artifacts from Keeladi has pushed the antiquity of the Tamil-Brahmi script to 580 BCE (6th century BCE).

Why focus: GS1 Ancient History—Sangam era trade networks. Sets up 'Match-the-Following' for Tamil Nadu archaeological sites and findings.

In News

What Happened

On March 13, 2026, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) formally approved the 11th phase of excavations at Keeladi and seven other sites in Tamil Nadu. The permission was granted to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA). This allows fieldwork to commence within the crucial January to July excavation window before monsoon rains.

Why It Matters

Keeladi has provided landmark evidence of a Sangam-era urban civilization along the Vaigai river basin. Continuing these excavations is crucial for tracing the roots of early literacy, trade networks, and the Tamil-Brahmi script, pushing South India's urbanization timeline back to the 6th century BCE.

Background

History & Context

Excavations at Keeladi began in 2015, initially led by the ASI before being taken over by the TNSDA. Over the past ten phases, archaeologists have unearthed brick structures, drainage systems, and Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, revealing a prosperous agrarian and trading society. The TNSDA submitted the proposal for the 11th phase in July 2025. Following persistent requests from the state government due to the closing excavation window, the ASI's Exploration and Excavation Section granted clearance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959.

What Changed

▶
Approval Status: BEFORE the March 2026 clearance, the 11th phase of Keeladi excavations was stalled due to delayed ASI permissions. NOW, formal approval allows the TNSDA to immediately begin digging.
▶
Scope of Excavation: BEFORE, excavations were limited to concluded phases and local cluster sites. NOW, the approved 2026 season covers Keeladi's 11th phase alongside seven other distinct sites like Nagapattinam and Vellalore to explore maritime and inland trade.
▶
Chronological Understanding: BEFORE Keeladi's major discoveries, South Indian urbanization was largely believed to post-date the Gangetic plains. NOW, continued excavations aim to cement the timeline of the Vaigai river civilization and Tamil-Brahmi script to the 6th century BCE.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This event directly connects to Class 6 History Chapter 8, 'Villages, Towns and Trades', which discusses the emergence of early urban centers, crafts, and trade in the subcontinent. The Keeladi findings serve as a real-world application of this chapter by providing tangible evidence of ancient Indian urbanization, specifically the Sangam-era trade and craft specialization in South India.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

With reference to the Keeladi archaeological site, consider the following statements: 1. It is a Sangam-era settlement located on the banks of the Kaveri river. 2. Findings at the site have pushed the date of the Tamil-Brahmi script back to the 6th century BCE. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Up next