Location and Excavation Details
- Site: Malayadipatti near Karivalamvanthanallur in Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu
- River: Vaippar River
- Conducting Authority: Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology
- Trenches Opened: 18 trenches since April 2026
- Part of: Wider archaeological programme including Keeladi
Cultural Sequence Discovered
The excavations revealed evidence of continuous occupation spanning multiple periods:
- Microlithic period (Stone Age)
- Iron Age
- Early Historic period
- Historic period
- Absence of clearly identifiable: Neolithic or Chalcolithic phases
Major Discoveries
Stone Tools and Implements
- Microlithic stone tools
- Iron implements
- Hematite
Ornaments and Artifacts
- Glass beads
- Coral beads
- Shell bangles
- Terracotta figurines
- Spindle whorls
- Gaming pieces
- Copper coins
Pottery
- Graffiti-marked pottery
- Black-and-red ware (BRW)
Structural Evidence
A large brick structure measuring:
- Length: 8.7 metres
- Width: 4.2 metres
- Feature: Descending steps
- Possible Functions:
- Underground granary
- Rainwater-harvesting tank
- Significance: Reflects advanced construction and water-management practices
Burial Evidence
Discoveries suggesting ritual burial practices:
- Red-slipped burial pot decorated with painted peacocks
- Human teeth
- Black-and-red ware vessel
- Connection: Links with references to peacocks in Sangam literature
Craft and Trade Activities
Evidence of organized production centre:
- Iron-tool making
- Bead production
- Shell-bangle manufacture
- Weaving
Trade Connections
- Settlement connected to wider trade routes
- Links between Tamil Nadu's eastern and western coasts
Historical Significance
- Deep Antiquity: Strengthens evidence of Tamil Nadu's ancient settlement history
- Technological Sophistication: Advanced construction and water management
- Economic Vitality: Organized craft production and trade networks
- Cultural Continuity: Development from Stone Age to Sangam period
- Literary Correlations: Physical evidence correlating with Sangam literature references
Relevance to Sangam Age
- The burial pot with painted peacocks aligns with Sangam literature references
- Evidence of organized craft production matches descriptions of ancient Tamil trade
- Trade route evidence supports historical accounts of coastal commerce
- Further scientific dating may clarify the timeline from Stone Age to Sangam period