23 Charcoal Samples from Tamil Nadu Sent to U.S. for Carbon Dating

Swift Summary:

• The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) sent 23 charcoal samples from seven archaeological sites for accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating to Beta Analytic laboratory in the U.S.
• Sites include Keeladi (Sivaganga district), Chennanoor (Krishnagiri district), Tirumalapuram (Tenkasi district), Marungur (Cuddalore district), Porpanaikkottai (Pudukottai district), Kongalnagaram (Tiruppur district), and Thulukkarpatti (Tirunelveli district).
• Purpose: Establish absolute chronology and ancientness of cultural deposits; AMS results expected within two months.
• 10th phase findings at Keeladi: Over 500 antiquities and 100 inscribed potsherds, including red-slipped ware with fish motifs.
• Excavations at Porpanaikkottai yielded 1,792 antiquities, such as pottery, glass beads, and bangles.
• A stone slab chamber with urn burials was unearthed for the first time in Tamil Nadu at Tirumalapuram’s megalithic burial ground.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The ongoing archaeological research spearheaded by the TNSDA highlights Tamil Nadu’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural history using advanced scientific methods like AMS dating.Sending samples abroad for analysis underscores India’s effort to obtain precise data about its ancient civilizations while maintaining global collaboration in science.

Significant finds like inscribed potsherds from keeladi or the unique megalithic burial chamber at Tirumalapuram could add valuable evidence to support hypotheses on early urbanization, trade networks, or social structures in South India. With precise dating techniques paired with detailed excavations across multiple districts, these efforts might reshape narratives about India’s historical timeline while bolstering tourism interest around such heritage sites.

Image Caption: Terracotta pipelines unearthed during the Keeladi excavation phase – showcasing intricate construction techniques of past civilizations.| Photo Source: Special arrangement

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