Keeladi Excavation Site

The Keeladi Excavation Site near Madurai is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent Indian history, revealing an urban Sangam-era civilisation along the Vaigai River dating back to the 6th century BCE. Excavations since 2015 have uncovered evidence of a literate, urban Tamil civilisation predating previously accepted timelines — including brick structures, pottery with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, gold ornaments, copper artefacts, and evidence of weaving and trade. The findings suggest that Tamil civilisation is as ancient as the Gangetic civilisations and have significantly revised understanding of South Indian history.