Archaeologist leading Keeladi excavation loses key role amid ongoing row

Archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna, known for leading the Keeladi (also known as Keezhadi) excavation in Tamil Nadu, has been relieved from his role as Director (Antiquity) in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and will now serve exclusively as Director of the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA), headquartered in Greater Noida.

The transfer, which marks Ramakrishna’s 12th in 21 years of service, comes at a time when political tensions between the BJP-led central government and the Tamil Nadu government continue over the interpretation and release of findings from the Keeladi excavation.

As part of his reassignment, Ramakrishna will now operate from NMMA’s Greater Noida office, stepping away from ASI headquarters in New Delhi. The Director (Antiquity) role, which he vacated, involved broader responsibilities including the protection, registration, and repatriation of antiquities. In comparison, the NMMA position is seen by ASI insiders as more limited in scope.

Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK has condemned the move, calling it “authoritarian” and “outrageous.”

DMK MP and senior advocate P Wilson posted on X criticising the transfer, stating that Ramakrishna faced pressure from the Centre to alter findings and refused. Wilson alleged the government is attempting to bring in a more compliant officer to dilute the excavation’s conclusions.

HA Naik, the official who had earlier directed Ramakrishna to revise his Keeladi report with additional data, has been given additional charge as Director (Antiquity). It was reportedly Naik’s letter, sent nearly two-and-a-half years after the submission of the excavation report, that had sparked criticism from the DMK and allied parties, who accused the Centre of deliberately delaying the publication of the findings.

Chief Minister MK Stalin had earlier voiced strong objections over central interventions related to the excavation, accusing Union ministers of disrespecting Tamil Nadu’s contributions. Stalin also referenced Keeladi in recent public speeches, questioning the lack of appreciation for the discovery of what is believed to be the earliest Iron Age civilisation in the region.

The Keeladi excavation, located in Sivaganga district near Madurai, has been highlighted by Tamil Nadu leaders for pushing back the Sangam Age timeline to around 800 BCE, older than previously believed. However, the Centre has called for further data and evidence before making such historical claims official. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently reiterated that the Centre supports scientifically proven research but accused the DMK government of politicising the findings and not cooperating fully with ongoing studies.

The NMMA was launched in 2007 during the UPA government to create a database of India's built heritage and archaeological sites. The project, initially expected to conclude in five years, has faced significant delays due to financial and administrative constraints.