Edappadi Palaniswami extends support to TN govt on Keeladi findings
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has announced his party’s support for the Tamil Nadu government’s stance regarding the Keeladi archaeological findings.
Palaniswami stated this after visiting the Keeladi museum in Sivaganga district. He highlighted that the initial phases of excavation at Keeladi began in 2014 when the AIADMK was in power, and it was under their regime that funds were allocated for establishing the on-site museum. He also recalled that samples sent to a US lab in 2018 confirmed the Keeladi civilization dated back to the 6th Century BCE.
While he acknowledged not having full details about the clarification sought by the Centre regarding the report by ASI official Amarnath Ramakrishna, Palaniswami affirmed that the AIADMK would back the state government’s position on this matter.
The Keeladi excavations have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, inscribed potsherds, gold ornaments, and evidence of a well-planned urban settlement with industries like pottery, weaving, dyeing, and bead-making. These findings have significantly pushed back the timeline of the Sangam Age in Tamil Nadu, suggesting a much older and advanced civilization than previously thought.
The Tamil Nadu government, led by the DMK, has been vocal in asserting the significance of the Keeladi findings and has urged the Union government to release the full report on the excavations.