Further scientific studies needed to validate Keeladi excavation findings: Union Culture Minister

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. File | Photo Credit: PTI

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday (June 10, 2025) said the reports submitted to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) by archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, who headed two phases of excavations and unearthed an ancient civilisation in Keeladi in the Sivaganga district, are not technically well supported. Further scientific studies are required to validate the findings, he said.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Mr. Shekhawat said, “The reports are not yet technically well supported or established. A lot remains to be done before recognising or accrediting the findings presented by the archaeologist who conducted the survey. Let them come with more results, data, and evidence, because a single finding cannot change the entire discourse.”

Mr. Shekhawat also alleged, “People holding such positions are trying to use that to grow regional sentiments. That is not fair. We have to be very cautious. Let archaeologists, historians, and technical experts discuss this, instead of politicians.”

Recently, the ASI had asked Mr. Ramakrishna to resubmit his report on the excavation after making necessary corrections to make it “more authentic” and for taking further action. He had submitted the reports to the Director General of ASI on January 30, 2023. In response, Mr. Ramakrishna refused to revise the report. He wrote to the ASI defending his findings and said further examination of the sequence contradicts the well-reasoned, conclusive findings of the Keeladi site.

These developments had triggered widespread criticisms that the ASI was “not interested” in publishing the Keeladi report. However, the ASI dismissed this allegation as a “figment of imagination”, and further called such claims misleading and an attempt to malign the ASI.

Published - June 10, 2025 01:51 pm IST