Judges assess possibilities of on-site museum at Keezhadi

Justice MM Sundaresh and Justice N Sathish Kumar of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, who arrived at the Keezhadi site, inquired about the progress of the third phase of the excavation with Sriraman, Superintending Archaeologist in-charge of Keezhadi archaeological site.

The judges held discussion with Sriraman on entrusting the maintenance of the site either with the local body or the district administration. However, the archaeologist said that the artefacts excavated from the site are valuable and officials involved in their maintenance should have knowledge about the excavations.

Then the Judges learnt about the exact age of artefacts unearthed at Keezhadi. “The radio carbon dating of artefacts unearthed in stage 1 and 2 shows that the time of settlement would be around 200 BCE, but artefacts even older are also found and their age is estimated to be 500 BCE,” said Sriraman.

Explaining the excavation process and their continuing them further, the archaeologists said the areas excavated under each phase are covered with plastic and then with sand, so that even in future if they want to excavate the site again, the structures would remain intact. Also, as per norms , they would complete the excavation by September 30.

Sriraman also added that the fourth phase of excavation would be carried out in Keezhadi if the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) alloted the required funds. “If funds are allotted, the excavation would be carried out without any hassle,” he said.

The archaeologists said that setting up of an on-site museum would be the final process of excavation, adding that there are several problems attached with that. “A regular staff should be posted at the site. Moreover, the Keezhadi site is far away from the ASI office making it difficult for the officials and researchers to inspect the site,” Sriraman said.

“There should also be an array of artefacts unearthed to be displayed at the onsite museum. As far as Keezhadi is concerned, no great variety of structures was unearthed. Another important problem of an onsite museum is the possibility of the theft of precious artefacts. So, only after careful considerations permission is given for setting up of an onsite museum. Though there are thousands of excavated sites, there are only 45 onsite museums in India,” said Sriraman.