Excavation works begin at Adichanallur 

“Before commencing the actual excavation, preliminary works would be undertaken in every archaeological site. Similarly, in Adichanallur, preliminary works such as Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) study has commenced and technical experts from the department have camped on the site,” T Udayachandran, Commissioner, state Archaeological Department, told DT Next.

The first phase of excavation in Adichanallur by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was carried out nearly 15 years ago and was not continued. But, after the intervention of Madras High Court, state Archaeological Department decided to take up excavations in Adichanallur in a comprehensive manner.

“Adichanallur excavation was carried out by the ASI in 2004 and in the first phase of excavation only the burial site was excavated. But, now in the second phase the excavation would be carried out in both the burial and habitation areas to bring out a complete picture of Adichanallur,” said officials from the Archaeological Department.

The officials also said that in the preliminary study it is helpful to know the presence of materials underground so that excavation can be carried out in a scientific manner. “Technologies like GPR and Magnetometer Survey, carried out by experts from Indian Institute of Geomagnetism in Navi Mumbai will help the department to know the presence of artefacts underground and accordingly the department will make trenches for excavation,” said the officials.

Earlier, Minister for Tamil Official Languages and Archaeology K Pandiarajan informed that excavation in Adichanallur along with the sixth phase of excavation in Keezhadi will commence after Pongal, but there was delay in commencement of excavation due tounexpected rain.

“Preliminary studies can be carried out only when the ground is dry and so after the completion of monsoon season the studies are now carried out. Once the presence of artefacts is confirmed, talks will be held with the landowners and excavation would commence,”said the officials.

Adichanallur is a pre-historic site and is much older than Keezhadi. “According to studies, the time of Adichanallur is calculated as 900 BC which is 300 years more than that of Keezhadi. If habitation area in Adichanallur is excavated, we might even get rich repository of artefacts,”said officials.

Udayachandran also said that after Adichanallur preliminary works would be undertaken in Sivagalai archaeological site, also located inThoothukudi district.