Keeladi excavation report of archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna: Why are Centre and T.N. government at loggerheads?

The story so far: On June 17, 2025, archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna, the archaeologist whose excavation at Keeladi (also spelt Keezhadi) in Tamil Nadu drew the nation’s attention, was transferred yet again, this time from New Delhi to Greater Noida. Mr. Ramakrishna, who was serving as the Director (Antiquity) and as Director of the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA), will now be the director of only the NMMA. The NMMA unit set up in 2007, according to sources, almost remains defunct. This move drew criticism from political circles in the State.

Over two years after Mr. Ramakrishna submitted his 982-page report on the first two phases of excavations carried out at Keeladi under his leadership between 2014 and 2016, a fresh controversy erupted last month. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) demanded him to revise his report but Mr. Ramakrishna refused to do it. This disagreement sparked a political clash between the Centre and Tamil Nadu. The State’s Minister for Archaeology Thangam Thennarasu even accused the BJP-led Union government of treating Tamils as second class citizens.

How did Keeladi excavation begin?

Keeladi, located about 12 km southeast of Madurai in Sivaganga district has become a symbol of pride for many in Tamil Nadu. Over a decade ago, Amarnath Ramakrishna who was then the ASI’s Superintending Archaeologist had initiated excavations at a site known as the Pallichanthai Tidal in Keeladi, a place that was originally a coconut grove spanning 100 acres. He had identified over 100 sites for excavation along the Vaigai River but Keeladi stood out.

It was in Keeladi that they unearthed over 7,500 ancient artifacts including wall structures, drainage systems and wells - all evidence of a sophisticated urban society that thrived. What was even more compelling was the carbon dating which revealed that these elements are over 2,160 years old dating back to the 2nd century BCE which is the time of the Sangam period in Tamil history.

What made Keeladi significant?

Archaeologists were stunned by a few findings. Most importantly, there was no evidence of religious symbols at the excavation site which hinted at the secular nature of the civilization.

The finds also showed:

1. the presence of a vibrant, sophisticated urban society in Keeladi
2. the strong structures oriented in cardinal direction suggesting systematic urban planning
3. port shreds with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions indicating a highly literate society
4. the graffiti of the sun and moon demonstrated the astronomical sense of the people
5. an ivory dice pointing to the presence of an elite society

So, naturally the excitement around Keeladi’s discoveries was palpable. Tamil historians and enthusiasts saw it as proof of an advanced ancient Tamil civilization but soon after things took a sharp turn.

The significant transfer of Amarnath Ramakrishna

It all began in 2017 when the ASI transferred Amarnath Ramakrishna to Assam just as the excavations were ramping up after first two phases. This move was seen by many as a blow to the project. Back then, political critics accused the Centre of deliberately derailing the excavations. It is because the Centre that had promised funding and support for further digs delayed both after the second phase.

The local political climate grew tense with some alleging that the Centre was trying to suppress Tamil heritage. By 2017, the excavations had entered its third phase but this time, under archaeologist P.S. Sriraman. After excavating just about 400 square meters, Mr. Sriraman reported that there was no continuity in the brick structures that were previously discovered. This had fuelled accusations that the Centre was deliberately downplaying the significance of Keeladi.

Madras High Court steps in

Meanwhile, the issue reached the courts. The Madras High Court stepped in and its judges visited the excavation site. They then directed the ASI to continue the excavations and also allow Tamil Nadu’s department of archaeology to get involved. The State’s archaeology department did just that, and in 2019, they published a report asserting that Keeladi was indeed an urban settlement dating back to the Sangam era between the 6^th century BCE and 1^st century CE.

From the third phase of excavation, it is the State archaeology department that has continued with the project but these findings have not helped resolve the issue, instead the drama has escalated. Cut to January 2023 when Amarnath Ramakrishna who was transferred back to Tamil Nadu submitted his report on the first two phases of excavation.

Amarnath Ramakrishna’s report to ASI

For about two-and-a-half years, this report remained with the ASI, and just last month, the ASI sent Mr. Ramakrishna a letter asking him to revise the report. The Archaeological Survey of India questioned the dating and depth of certain findings, suggesting the evidence for the earliest period, as it “appeared to be very early,” and said it needed further analysis. Amarnath Ramakrishna, however, stood firm and refused to rewrite his conclusions, defending his work as scientifically sound, based on rigorous archaeological standards. He argued that the report’s chronology was backed by stratigraphic sequences, material culture and even Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS).

Political outrage

In this backdrop, many political parties in Tamil Nadu including the DMK, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and historian R. Balakrishnan who is also a retired IAS officer have slammed the ASI’s decision. They have termed it a blatant attempt to suppress Tamil heritage. They argued that the Centre’s refusal to acknowledge Keeladi’s significance was not just about science but also about politics.

Amid the backlash, the Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Mr. Ramakrishnan’s findings were not technically well-supported and further scientific studies were required to validate the findings. He sought more results, data and evidence because he said a single finding cannot change the entire discourse.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, who also holds the archaeology portfolio, has been particularly vocal about the issue. He rhetorically posed, “Though we are in the same country, why does the government have reservations? Is it because of its unquenchable desire to treat Tamils as second class citizens?” For the Minister, the issue is not just about Keeladi but about a symbolic fight for Tamil identity and history.

MDMK leader Vaiko too alleged that the Centre was trying to suppress Tamil civilization while promoting what he called as “a non-existent Sanskrit civilization”. His remark reflected the growing narrative that the Centre’s actions were part of a broader political agenda.

However, Mr. Shekhawat continued to justify his position saying that Tamil Nadu is an integral part of India and its heritage should be celebrated, not through divisive sentiments but through scientific, evidence-based knowledge. He told Chief Minister M.K. Stalin that the Union government has no hesitation in releasing any reports, and if such research is scientifically proven, it too would be proud to stand with the State. For the report to be accepted by the scientific community, more robust evidence is still needed, he added. The Union Minister wondered why the Tamil Nadu government was hesitant to cooperate with the Centre on this issue. Hence, the conflict continues.

AIADMK’s silence

Interestingly, the AIADMK which was in power when the Keeladi report was proudly published is now largely silent, thanks to its renewed ties with the BJP.

The Keeladi controversy is not just about one report or one excavation; it is a clash of narratives. The Centre insists on scientific validation while Tamil Nadu views it as a matter of cultural pride and historical recognition. The State government is pressing on with its excavations, which are underway, and it has already set up a new museum at Keeladi which is drawing thousands of visitors.

Published - June 18, 2025 02:17 pm IST