Chennai: Archaeologists digging at the Keezhadi site near Madurai have tumbled upon gold. Confirming that a few gold coins and ornaments were found at the site, that throws light on the ancient Tamil civilisation, Tamil culture and archaeology minister K. Pandiarajan, said he would make a detailed statement in the Assembly on Monday.
“A few gold coins and jewellery have been unearthed at Keezhadi. We did not strike a gold tunnel. It appears to have been exaggerated in a section of the media,” Mr Pandiarajan said.
Nevertheless, the find would throw more light on the life and times of the people. “Much would be known after a detailed study… there is then the taxonomy will ought to be resorted to before arriving at a conclusion. However, (as the Assembly is in session) I shall make a statement in the Assembly on Monday with the available details,” Mr Pandiarajan said.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has held three phases of excavation in Keezhadi and obtained about 8,300 artefacts. Carbon testing revealed that the relics date back to 2,200 years. After the Tamil Nadu Archaeology took the reins, it commenced the fourth phase of excavation on April 18 following the allocation of Rs 55 lakh by the Tamil Nadu government to fund the excavation.
Since then the officials unearthed rich artifacts. As the excavation on 1.5 acres where 16 trenches were dug at the land of a person in Keezhadi, yielded interesting find, the department decided to obtain another 1.5 acres of land belonging to another person, close to the present site, for taking up excavation. It is said that for the first time, gold ornaments were found at two trenches in the first site. The gold has been shifted out of the village for examination, an official said.
