India

Keezhadi excavation site

Sangam-period settlement in Tamil Nadu, 6th–3rd century BCE

Location

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Historical Context

About

Keezhadi, or Keeladi, is a Sangam period settlement site, where excavation are carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology. This site is located near the town of Keezhadi in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, about 12 km southeast of Madurai. The settlement lies on the bank of the Vaigai River and it reflects the ancient culture of Tamil Nadu. Epigraphist V. Vedachalam, who served as a domain expert for the excavation, dated the excavated remains between 6th century BCE and 3rd century BCE.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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AMS date (c. 580 BCE)

c. 580 BCE

Radiocarbon dates (3rd century BCE)

c. 3rd century BCE

Third phase (excavation window)

January–30 September 2017

Second phase begun

2 January 2016

Eighth phase begun

11 February 2022

Seventh phase

19 February 2021

Sixth phase begun

19 February 2020

ASI regional survey

2013

First excavation phase begun

June 2015

Fourth phase

2017–2018

Fifth phase begun

June 2019

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

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Storage Structures

Storage JarsContainers
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Water Management Features

Wells
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Industrial and Craft Structures

KilnsWorkshops
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Artistic and Decorative Features

InscriptionsGraffiti marks
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

TownsCitiesHouses
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Environmental and Natural Features

Soil Layers
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

India

Coordinates

9.86° N, 78.18° E