Excavation concludes at Azhagankulam archaeological site

Azhagankulam archaeological site is part of the Vaigai River civilization. Age of Azhagankulam dates back to Sangam era and the excavations commenced in 1984. Till 2015, seven phases of excavations were carried out by the State Archaeological Department. The eighth phase, which began on May 9, was completed on Thursday. 

Speaking about the excavation, and the artefacts unearthed at Azhagankulam, Baskar, Project Director, Azhagankulam Archaeological excavation site, said that more than 13,000 artefacts had been so far found and this is the highest in any excavation in Tamil Nadu. Some of the interesting artefacts include ivory products, pottery. pipes made of hot sand, large bricks and brick structures, mud pipes, a factory to manufacture conch, old coins, mirrors and so on. 

The most important is the seal with a Cross. It is said to belong to the Romans and it shows that trade had flourished between the Romans and Tamil people. The excavation site is expected to be extended to 20 acres and only then a complete picture about the life of Tamil people during the Sangam era would emerge, explained Baskar.