The town of Keeladi in Tamil Nadu became the center of national attention after a groundbreaking archaeological excavation revealed signs of an early urban civilization in South India. The excavation project, which began in 2014, was led by archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna, whose work sparked immense curiosity across the country. His findings not only questioned earlier assumptions about the timeline of South Indian civilization but also triggered an intense political standoff between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre.

At the heart of the controversy is the repeated transfer of K Amarnath and the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) objections to his excavation report. Once celebrated for spearheading the Keeladi excavation, K Amarnath was later moved from one post to another. Currently, he serves as the Director of the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquity (NMMA) in Greater Noida. Before this, he had held the same position in New Delhi, and just before that, he spent three months as Director for Excavation and Exploration. These shifts in his posting, especially the one occurring merely six months after his last assignment, have raised eyebrows.

The root of the disagreement deepened when K Amarnath was ordered to modify his report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), however, he denied to comply, leading to a fierce war of words between the central and state governments. This conflict has grown beyond the realm of archaeology, evolving into a symbol of regional versus central authority.

Digging into the Past: Why Keeladi Matters

Located along the Vaigai River in the Sivaganga district, about 12 kilometers southeast of Madurai, Keeladi, also spelled Keezhadi, quickly rose to prominence due to the scale and significance of what lay beneath its soil. The dig began more than ten years ago at Pallichanthai Tidal in Keeladi, which was once a 100-acre coconut grove. At that time, K Amarnath Ramakrishna, serving as the ASI’s Superintending Archaeologist, chose this site among more than a hundred locations identified along the Vaigai River for exploration.

The results were extraordinary. The team uncovered over 7,500 artefacts, including wells, drainage systems, and wall structures, clearly showing evidence of an organized and advanced urban society. According to carbon dating, these findings were more than 2,160 years old, going back to the second century BCE, aligning with the Sangam period of Tamil history.

The first three phases of the excavation were carried out by the ASI, after which the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) took over. With state-level support, the count of excavated artefacts rose to more than 18,000. These included a variety of items: pottery, inscribed potsherds, gold ornaments, copper articles, semi-precious stones, shell and ivory bangles, glass beads, spindle whorls, terracotta seals, and weaving tools.

Among the most eye-opening discoveries were more than 120 potsherds bearing Tamil Brahmi inscriptions. Their presence, alongside similar findings across various other locations, demonstrated that the script had a long-standing existence in the region. Tools and artefacts like copper needles, spinning whorls, terracotta spheres, and clay containers for liquids revealed that Keeladi was not just urban, but industrially active — particularly in weaving.

Further analysis showed the town had developed industries like beadmaking, dyeing, and pottery. Luxurious items such as gold ornaments, semi-precious stones, and ivory combs reflected the cultural richness and economic prosperity of its people. The presence of carnelian and agate beads, believed to have been imported, hinted at well-established trade networks.

Evidence also suggested a society that enjoyed recreational activities. Terracotta and ivory dice, figurines, and hopscotch markers all pointed to a population that engaged in leisure and likely had social hierarchies. The fertility of the land and the prominence of cow husbandry allowed for both thriving agriculture and participation in maritime trade, especially in rice.

All these findings led scholars and experts to believe that the civilization at Keeladi might have been much older and more developed than previously assumed. According to several reports, this pushes the beginning of the Sangam Age to around 800 BCE. This period, renowned for the rise of Tamil literature and academic assemblies, was traditionally believed to span from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE.

The Keeladi excavations have, therefore, reshaped the historical understanding of South Indian civilization and ignited fierce political and academic debates. More parts to this complex story remain, with state and central agencies still at odds over what the soil of Keeladi has revealed.

Keeladi’s Indus Connection, Ancient Proofs, and the Unfolding Political Battle

Some of the most intriguing revelations from the Keeladi excavation were the symbols found on the artefacts that resembled those from the Indus Valley Civilization. This similarity triggered excitement among scholars, although they were quick to note that there was a cultural gap of nearly 1,000 years between the two civilizations. Experts believe that continued exploration might eventually help uncover how, if at all, these two ancient cultures were connected.

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology declared that Keeladi showed all signs of an urban civilization—right from brick structures and luxury items to evidence of both inland and international trade. These discoveries point to a highly developed and industrious society, one that supports the idea of urban settlements in Tamil Nadu during the Early Historic Period. Additionally, the excavation has added strong archaeological backing to the historical authenticity of Sangam Literature, which had so far been seen mainly as poetic documentation.

Further evidence showed remarkable city planning. Strong, directional structures were found aligned along cardinal points, and fragments of pottery carrying Tamil Brahmi inscriptions confirmed that the society was literate. Even more fascinating was the discovery of graffiti showing sun and moon symbols, revealing a basic understanding of astronomy among the Keeladi people.

According to a 2019 report by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, Keeladi was a full-fledged urban town from the Sangam period. The cultural layers discovered during the fourth phase of the excavation were confidently dated between the sixth and first centuries BCE. Among the six samples sent to the United States for carbon dating, one from a depth of 353 centimeters was dated to 580 BCE.

The same report noted that Keeladi artefacts might date back nearly 300 years earlier than the previously believed 3rd century BCE, marking a major shift in the understanding of Tamil civilization's timeline.

Ramakrishna’s Discovery, His Transfer, and Political Interference

The person who brought Keeladi to the public eye was Amarnath Ramakrishna, who led the first and second excavation seasons between 2014 and 2016. After gathering a large volume of data, he submitted a 982-page report to ASI Director General V. Vidyavathi. The report was highly detailed, divided into twelve chapters, and described both the historical context and the objectives of the excavation.

Another separate chapter covered the 23 samples dated using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) at the Beta Analytical Lab in Florida, USA. This section also included floral and faunal studies and referenced findings by other universities, giving the report scientific weight and interdisciplinary depth.

During the first two excavation phases, nearly 5,800 artefacts were recovered. But then, in a move that stunned many, Amarnath was transferred to Assam. This was widely seen as a blow to the excavation’s momentum. Critics accused the central government of stalling the excavation efforts, especially since it had earlier promised funds and support, which were eventually delayed or denied.

In the meantime, the project entered its third phase, now overseen by archaeologist PS Sriraman. After excavating 400 square meters, Sriraman publicly stated that the brick structures found earlier showed no continuity, which sparked further accusations from Tamil Nadu that the Centre was attempting to downplay Keeladi’s importance. These suspicions aligned with the usual North vs. South India political discourse that often influences Tamil politics.

State Government Takes Over: New Discoveries Continue to Rewrite History

After the ASI suspended its efforts, citing a lack of significant outcomes from the third phase, the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology stepped in during 2017 and resumed the work with renewed vigor. The progress was immense. By the ninth phase, which began in April 2023 and concluded in September the same year under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin, the department had already unearthed over 13,000 artefacts and obtained radiocarbon dates ranging from 580 BCE to 200 CE.

By the tenth phase in 2024–2025, the site had yielded hundreds of new antiques, adding more value to what had already become one of India’s most significant archaeological discoveries.

In a surprising turn, a 30-foot-long structure was unearthed in the third trench of the site—this after the ASI had previously declared that no major findings were likely. The bricks used in this structure matched those used in other parts of Keeladi, strengthening the argument that the site still had more secrets buried beneath it.

In an interview with The Federal, V Marappan, Professor of History at Presidency College, remarked,

"The bricks used in this new structure are identical in design and make to those used in other parts of Keeladi, strengthening the authenticity of the findings. Earlier studies by Amarnath Ramakrishna’s team had already suggested the area might have housed industrial zones."

He further observed,

"These new findings raise questions about whether other sections of the site remain unexcavated underground."

The newly discovered structure was found 90 centimeters below the surface on the western side and stretched approximately 10 meters in length. Experts believe this could have been either an industrial building or a workshop, pointing once again to Keeladi's status as a significant urban-industrial center from ancient times.

Madras High Court Steps In: Judiciary's Role in Protecting Keeladi’s Heritage

As tensions deepened between the state and the Centre over the Keeladi excavations, the matter finally reached the judiciary. In a strong and unprecedented move, Judges from the Madras High Court intervened and travelled to the excavation site, taking direct note of the situation on ground. The court then directed the ASI to resume the excavations and allow the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology to continue its involvement, bringing a turning point in the unfolding events.

By this time, the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology had already been actively working on the site since the third phase of excavation, lending a deeper and more dramatic layer to the ongoing developments. In 2019, the Madurai bench of the court ruled that the excavations should not be halted, recognizing that important progress had been made in uncovering the richness of Tamil civilisation. The decision came while reviewing several petitions that sought the preservation of Tamil Nadu’s archaeological heritage.

In a notable remark, the Division Bench comprising Justices D. Krishnakumar and R. Vijayakumar advised the authorities to ensure the excavations proceed without any disruptions, emphasizing that “The public would learn more about Tamil civilisation through the archaeological excavations.”

One of the most significant judicial interventions came when the court ordered the Centre to send back Amarnath Ramakrishna to Tamil Nadu within 15 days so that he could continue the excavation work. After complying with this order, Amarnath Ramakrishna returned to Tamil Nadu and submitted his report on the first two stages of excavation in January 2023.

Further, in a bid to bring transparency and accountability, the High Court issued a notice to the Centre demanding that the ASI release the report that had been submitted following the first two phases of excavation. This notice was based on a petition filed by Madurai resident P. Prabhakar Pandian and highlighted the growing demand among the public and scholars for the findings to be made public.

The court didn’t stop there. It also instructed both the state and central governments to submit additional counter-affidavits in response to several public interest litigations (PILs) related to Keeladi. These PILs, dating back to 2016 and 2017, had urged the authorities to take serious action to protect the site instead of shutting it down. As part of its directions, the court asked for rebuttal affidavits to be submitted in relation to these older petitions to clarify the official stance and future course of action regarding the Keeladi project.

Among the many petitions was a request to establish a “site museum” at Keeladi, aimed at preserving and showcasing the heritage unearthed during the excavations. Responding to this vision, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated a ₹18.43 crore Keeladi museum in March 2023, built across two acres of land, offering the public a chance to witness the grandeur of their ancient roots.

Going back to 2016, the Madurai bench had also granted permission to the Archaeological Survey of India to shift the excavated artefacts to its Dehradun laboratory for scientific testing. However, this move came with specific conditions. The court directed that the state’s archaeology commissioner must be informed before the artefacts were moved. The commissioner was also instructed to take photographs and videos of all the items being transferred. The ASI was held responsible for returning the artefacts to Tamil Nadu and submitting a detailed report to the court following the analysis.

This judicial involvement not only gave momentum to the excavation but also served as a check on the bureaucratic delays and political standoffs. The court’s firm directives ensured that the story of Keeladi’s past would not be buried in silence but preserved for future generations to study and celebrate.

Keeladi Report Sparks Political Clash Between Centre and Tamil Nadu

The conflict over Keeladi escalated sharply when Amarnath Ramakrishna submitted his final 982-page excavation report in January 2023, following earlier preliminary and interim reports submitted in 2016 and 2017. Though the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had been in possession of the final report for nearly two and a half years, it was only in May that the agency wrote back to Ramakrishna, asking for revisions.

The ASI voiced its concerns about the report’s conclusions, particularly about the dating and depth of certain findings. It warned that the claims related to the earliest period of Keeladi's civilization appeared too early and required further scrutiny. In its communication, the ASI said,

“The three periods require proper nomenclatures or re-orientation.”
It also challenged the proposed chronology, stating,
“8th century BCE to 5th century BCE for Period I requires concrete justification.”
Furthermore, it noted,
“Just mentioning depth for the available scientific dates is not enough but the layer number should also be marked for comparative consistency analysis.”
The ASI also emphasized that “the manner in which dates were presented should also be amended.”

Despite the ASI’s request, Amarnath Ramakrishna refused to make any changes to the report. He stood firmly by his research, insisting that the findings were rooted in scientific accuracy and archaeological integrity. He cited material culture, stratigraphic sequences, and data from Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) as solid evidence supporting the report's timeline and conclusions.

The ASI’s response ignited a political storm in Tamil Nadu. Several parties, including the ruling DMK, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and historian R. Balakrishnan, condemned the ASI's move. They accused the Centre of attempting to suppress Tamil heritage, arguing that Keeladi’s historical significance was being undermined for political reasons.

On the other hand, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union Minister for Culture, argued that Ramakrishna’s conclusions lacked adequate scientific backing. He asserted that “additional scientific research was necessary to validate Ramakrishna’s conclusions because they lacked technical support.”
Shekhawat further clarified,

“A single finding could not alter the entire discourse and therefore, more data, outcomes and proofs were needed to be collected.”

He assured that Tamil Nadu's history deserved to be celebrated, but it should be done based on scientific knowledge, not divisive narratives. He stated,

“People holding such positions are trying to use that to grow regional sentiments. That is not fair. We have to be very cautious. Let archaeologists, historians, and technical experts discuss this, instead of politicians.”

However, Tamil Nadu’s Archaeology Minister Thangam Thennarasu expressed disappointment, stating,

“They also refused to allocate funds for the excavations and allowed the report to gather dust for two years. Now they say there is no adequate evidence. Every time they reject Tamil history, only the method of rejection changes.”
He also accused the Centre of treating Tamils as second-class citizens.

From another front, MDMK leader Vaiko joined the chorus of criticism, alleging that the Centre was trying to promote “a non-existent Sanskrit civilisation” while downplaying the historical richness of Tamil culture.

Echoing this sentiment, Chief Minister MK Stalin reacted on social media, sharing:

“How many obstacles do Tamils face? We have been fighting against all of them for thousands of years, and with the help of science, we have been establishing the antiquity of our race. Yet some minds refuse to accept it. It’s not the statements that need to be corrected, it’s some minds.”

S. Venkatesan, the CPI(M) MP from Madurai, took a broader stance. He stated:

“Transferring an official is not in itself a major issue, it is part of administrative procedures. But Amarnath Ramakrishna worked on the Keeladi excavation for eight years, without compromising on the truth. He was removed, reassigned and denied the opportunity to publish his findings. Only after court intervention was he allowed to write the report.”

He further revealed that the ASI had previously promised the court and Parliament that the report would be released within 11 months, a commitment that was never fulfilled. Now, with the Centre asking for more scientific validation at the final stage, he alleged:

“The message is clear: If you do not align with our views, this is what will be done to you. This is not just about an individual, it’s a discriminatory act against Tamil Nadu and against South Indian history itself.”

Interestingly, the AIADMK remained silent for a long time, despite having been in power when the report was initially prepared. However, on June 18, senior leader and former minister RB Udhayakumar broke his silence, stating that the Union government merely wanted “further data for additional corroboration.” He also said:

“Our party would be the first to object if the Keeladi report was rejected.”

In response to Stalin's accusation that the AIADMK remained silent while the Centre downplayed the findings, Udhayakumar countered that the AIADMK government had sanctioned ₹55 lakh for the 2018 excavations. Another senior AIADMK leader, Mafoi Pandiarajan, who handled archaeology under then-CM Edappadi Palaniswami, hailed him as “Keeladi Nayakar” (Hero of Keeladi) and credited him with helping establish Tamil antiquity.

Yet, a senior DMK leader hit back, saying:

“Their belated pride in Keeladi rings hollow when they put alliance politics above Tamil identity.”

This ongoing dispute—deeply rooted in politics, history, and identity—continues to reflect how a single excavation site has triggered a national debate over heritage, scientific method, and regional pride.

Centre Seeks Third Phase Report: Retired Archaeologist PS Sriraman Steps In

The tug-of-war over Keeladi took another turn when the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officially requested retired Superintending Archaeologist PS Sriraman to compile and submit the excavation report for the third phase of the Keeladi excavations. This phase, carried out in 2017 after the abrupt transfer of Amarnath Ramakrishna, had previously been reported by Sriraman as yielding no major discoveries.

Now retired since 2019, Sriraman has been given clearance by the ASI to write the pending reports. These include his brief work in Keeladi, as well as one season of excavation at Kodumanal, a site located along the northern banks of the Noyyal River in Tamil Nadu's Erode district, which he had overseen between 2017 and 2018.

According to archaeologists, Kodumanal spans two significant cultural phases: the Megalithic and the Prehistoric eras. During these periods, the communities residing in the region were known for constructing durable structures, demonstrating skilled craftsmanship, and engaging in international trade—painting a picture of a sophisticated, self-sustaining settlement with far-reaching connections.

Sriraman is now preparing both reports from the ASI office in Chennai. Speaking to The Hindu, he shared:

“As I had retired, both reports were pending. I sought the approval of the ASI to access the material and prepare the reports. Since all the related materials are in Chennai, I will begin preparing the reports soon.”

In a separate conversation with Deccan Herald, he reiterated:

“I have sought permission to complete the report since I am retired now. A formal communication from the ASI is expected soon.”

Discussing his priorities, Sriraman told The New Indian Express:

“The ASI instructed me to complete as quickly as possible. I am concentrating more on Kodumanal because it is an individual work – my work while the third phase in Keezhadi is for a shorter period and it was a continuation of work done earlier.”

This renewed activity follows more than a month after Amarnath Ramakrishna was asked by the ASI to “resubmit” his report with changes suggested by two expert reviewers, marking a continued tug between scientific exploration and institutional bureaucracy.

A Parallel Chapter in Indian History: Keeladi Uncovers an Ancient Tamil Civilisation

Keeladi's revelations have opened what many now call a new dawn in Indian historical understanding. The discovery of artefacts dated to the 6th century BCE by Beta Analytics, a U.S.-based laboratory, stands as a major breakthrough. Using radiocarbon dating, the lab confirmed that these items may have emerged during the same period as the urbanisation of the Gangetic plains, often regarded as the cradle of India’s second urban revolution.

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology began dating 29 radiocarbon samples from the Keeladi site since the 2017–18 excavation season, finding the oldest at 580 BCE and the most recent at 200 CE. This suggested that Keeladi was home to an urban and industrial civilisation that flourished for around 800 years—a monumental timeline that reshapes South India’s place in ancient history.

Supporting this, archaeologists unearthed large brick buildings that directly corresponded with the Sangam Age. These architectural remnants aligned with details described in Sangam literature, adding further credibility to historical Tamil texts.

Speaking to The Times of India, archaeologist K Rajan, who advises the Tamil Nadu archaeology department, explained:

“Most samples above the brick structures date to after the 3rd century BCE, while those below go as far back as the 6th century BCE.”

In another stunning development, researchers are now attempting to reconstruct the face of an ancient Tamil inhabitant using 3D technology and anthropometric data derived from a skull found at the Kondagai burial site. Rajan described the ongoing process:

“Based on the skull, we will reconstruct the age, dietary pattern, determine the gender, and actual face of the person.”

He concluded with a striking comparison that puts Keeladi on the national archaeological map:

“This places Keeladi alongside the urbanisation of the Gangetic plains, India’s second urbanisation. Of the 29 radiocarbon dates, 12 fall in the pre-Ashokan era, before the 3rd century BCE.”

These findings push the boundaries of accepted Indian history and indicate that Keeladi may represent a parallel, southern urban tradition—one that deserves equal recognition alongside the famed northern civilisations.

Reconstructing Ancient Tamil Lives: Global Research Teams and Keeladi’s Forgotten Past

In an ambitious and collaborative effort, more than 20 research institutions from India and abroad are now working alongside the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology to recreate life in Keeladi as it existed around 580 BCE. This unique international initiative includes renowned bodies such as Liverpool University in the UK, the University of Pisa in Italy, the Field Museum in Chicago, the French Institute of Pondicherry, IIT Gandhinagar, and Deccan College.

One of the primary areas of focus has been animal bones discovered at the Keeladi site, which are currently being examined by specialists at Deccan College. The wide array of fauna—bulls, buffaloes, goats, cows, sheep, dogs, pigs, antelope, and even spotted deer—is providing clues into the agrarian, domestic, and ecological landscape of the region’s early inhabitants. Meanwhile, researchers from Madurai Kamaraj University are delving into ancient DNA extracted from both animals and humans to understand migration patterns and population mixing in Keeladi and its surrounding cluster hamlet, Kondagai.

The scientific methods applied at Keeladi have yielded 29 radiocarbon dates from a single archaeological site, which, according to R Sivanandam, Joint Director of the State Archaeology Department, proves that

“Keeladi was an urban settlement with a literate society and a community of artisans. It was an industrial hub along an ancient trade route linking the east coast port of Alagankulam to Muziris on the west coast via Madurai.”

Despite all this knowledge, the original name of the settlement still remains a mystery. Nevertheless, towns, roads, palatial structures, fine ornaments, and trade routes mentioned in ancient Tamil texts now find real-world parallels at Keeladi. “Keeladi has proved that Sangam literature was a lived experience of ancient Tamils and not imaginative stories,” said Indologist R Balakrishnan.

Remarkably, archaeologists also found clay and ivory dice, both rectangular and cubic in shape, at the site, which Balakrishnan connects to the “Kalithogai”—the sixth anthology of the eight Sangam literature collections.

Adding to this understanding, archaeologist Rajan emphasized that

“Keeladi isn’t the only site with roots in the 6th century BCE. Kodumanal, Porunthal, Sivagalai, Adichanallur and Korkai have also yielded dates from that period. Korkai has produced a date as early as 785 BCE, suggesting Sangam-age urbanisation was widespread.”

Despite the enormous archaeological value, only 4% of the 110-acre cultural deposit at Keeladi has been excavated over ten seasons. The Tamil Nadu government plans to intensify exploration and has already set up a museum to showcase the findings. There are also ambitious plans to establish India’s first on-site museum, a landmark step in making Keeladi’s past accessible to the public.

“Tamil Nadu has endured archaeological apathy for far too long until Keeladi sparked a wave of interest among Tamils,” noted Balakrishnan, while Rajan added,

“Keeladi is the first site that transformed the understanding of archaeology in Tamil Nadu.”

In one of the most groundbreaking outcomes, a forensic facial reconstruction project led by Madurai Kamaraj University and Liverpool John Moores University successfully recreated the faces of two individuals who lived over 2,500 years ago in the Keeladi region. This is the first effort of its kind in India, offering a human dimension to ancient archaeological findings.

The skulls were discovered about 800 meters away from the main site, at the Kondagai burial grounds. The experts concluded that the facial characteristics showed a blend of South Indian traits along with features of ancient Austro-Asiatic and West Eurasian (Iranian) hunter-gatherer lineages.

Professor Caroline Wilkinson, Director of Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University, explained the methodology:

“We used a computer-assisted 3D facial reconstruction system to rebuild the facial musculature and estimate facial features following anatomical and anthropometrical standards. As the lower jaws of the skulls were missing, we used orthodontic standards to estimate the shapes of the mandibles from cranial measurements and planes.”

Adding insight, Professor G Kumaresan from Madurai Kamaraj University’s genetics department commented:

“It is 80% science and 20% art.”
He pointed out that the combined data from DNA and facial reconstructions could play a critical role in tracing the lineage of ancient Tamils from the Sangam period.

Keeladi: A Turning Point in Understanding India’s Civilisational Landscape

The discoveries at Keeladi now represent more than just academic triumphs. Within an excavated area measuring 90 by 60 meters, archaeologists have found a stunning variety of artefacts—dice, unidentified copper coins, glass, shell, ivory, pearl, and terracotta beads, seals, and gold ornaments. Even more striking is the range of structures uncovered, from multi-layered brick buildings and tank-like drainage systems to double-walled furnaces and terracotta ring wells.

This detailed urban layout indicates not only a literate and industrious community but one that was deeply connected to the world beyond its borders. The sophistication of these finds reinforces that India has been home to more than one flourishing civilisation—with great cultural and industrial centers in both the north and south regions of the subcontinent.

Keeladi thus becomes a key to understanding India’s pluralistic historical evolution. These revelations challenge long-held myths that foreign settlers introduced advanced society to India, instead demonstrating that ancient Indians had already developed thriving settlements with trade, recreation, governance, and culture.

This isn’t just about archaeological pride—it’s about reconnecting with the civilizational roots of the nation. These findings offer an opportunity to preserve and understand our past while building a continuous, proud narrative. The wisdom and vision of these early communities are now becoming visible, helping future generations grasp the magnitude of what their ancestors achieved.

As historians, epigraphists, geologists, and archaeology enthusiasts continue to gather at Keeladi, the site has now moved from being a local excavation to a major global archaeological landmark—a glowing beacon in India’s ancient timeline.