Recent Archaeological investigations in Tamil Nadu
Illustrated lecture by Dr. K. Rajan, Academic and Research Advisor, Govt. of Tamil Nadu and former Professor, Dept. of History, Pondicherry University

Chair: Dr. B.R. Mani, Director General, National Museum, New Delhi

Recent archaeological investigations carried out in Tamil Nadu provide new insights for understanding various cultural phases and transformations in this region. Excavations conducted at Attirampakkam, Pattaraiperumpudur, Mayiladumparai, Kilnamandi, Porpanaikottai, Keeladi, Korkai, Sivakalai, Adichanallur and many other sites have raised several important historical questions. The AMS dates received for the Iron Age and the Early Historic period at these sites have changed our hitherto held perceptions. The dates demonstrate that the existence of Iron Age in South India was contemporary to the chalcolithic age of North India. Other important discoveries include the early dates for the Brahmi script, the development of technology-driven industries such as gemstone, copper, iron, steel, shell and textile industries, and the emergence of trade and trade routes in resource zones. The lecture will highlight these and other results of recent archaeological explorations and excavations.

(Collaboration: Ashoka University, Sonipat)