Why is it in the news?
ASI approved excavation of multiple archaeological sites.
It aims to uncover early South Indian civilisation and trade links.
Category: History
Important Points:
● Keeladi shows evidence of urban settlement and Tamil-Brahmi script
● Adichanallur is a major Iron Age burial site
● Vellalore shows trade links with Roman Empire
● Nagapattinam was a Chola-era port with Buddhist influence
● Sites represent transition from Iron Age to urbanisation
● DNA testing used to study ancient lineage
● OSL dating used to determine age of soil layers
● Helps understand South Indian history and trade networks
● Tamil Nadu allocated ₹7 crore for archaeological research