Tamil Nadu History Congress urges Centre to immediately release Keeladi reports

The Tamil Nadu History Congress on Wednesday urged the Union government to immediately release reports submitted to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) by archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, who headed two phases of excavations in Keeladi in the Sivaganga district.

In a statement, S.S. Sundaram, general secretary, Tamil Nadu History Congress, said over two years, Mr. Ramakrishna excavated several artifacts at Keeladi that were scientifically tested in various labs in the U.S. and in India. Results confirmed the existence of an advanced urban Tamil civilisation dating back 2,600 years.

Despite this, Mr. Ramakrishna was abruptly transferred to Assam, and a subsequent report in 2017 claimed little archaeological potential remained, recommending closure of the excavation. Then the State Archaeology Department resumed the excavations and unearthed over 5,800 artifacts, including several with Tamil-Brahmi script, he said, adding that the Centre, without any further delay, should release the Keeladi report.

Published - June 12, 2025 06:19 pm IST