The ninth phase of the Keeladi excavation in the Sivaganga district resulted in the discovery of 804 objects in total. The excavation ended on September 30 after being launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin in April. The excavation was overseen by State Archaeology Department Joint Director R Sivanantham and Minister Thangam Thennarasu.

The artefacts discovered in Keeladi come from 14 quadrants and include gold ornaments, ivory dice, terracotta animal figurines, gamesmen, spindle whorls, crystal quartz weighing units, glass beads, fragments from broken bracelets, copper coins and needles, bone points, iron nails. According to department sources, samples of bone and charcoal have been collected for scientific investigation.

They also mentioned the discovery of a three to six-foot-wide floor built of clay and lime. A collection of potsherds, including perforated, ornamented, russet painted, and rouletted potsherds, were also unearthed. These include potsherds made of black-and-red ware, red slip ware, and red ware.

"Over 200 graffiti-marked potsherds with fish, ladder, and geometric symbols were also identified," according to the sources.

24 burial urns were found in Kondagai. Nine items, including carnelian beads, iron knives, chisels, rings, and more, as well as human skeletal bones and over 110 grave goods were discovered with the urns. "For the first time ever, a ring made of ivory has been found from a burial urn," said the department.

The organisation discovered a copper coin. The elephant motif seen on the coin's obverse is notable. The coin is rectangular in shape and is 2.8 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. In a nearby sector, another circular coin was also discovered.

In addition, the State Archaeology Department had discovered two terracotta balls, one of which was whole and the other of which was damaged. These clay balls have a diameter of 1.6 and 3 cm, respectively, and are well-levigated. Weighing device made of crystal quartz - This clear artefact is 8 gm in weight, 2 cm in diameter, and 1.5 cm in height.

Image source: The New Indian Express