Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – Commercialization of Archaeology, related issues (10)

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2^nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – Commercialization of Archaeology, related issues (10)

From the bible to crude oil: As for as the “west” is concerned, archaeology was born, encouraged and developed with the creation of myths related to their religious beliefs. There has been a separate subject, “Biblical archaeology,” and it is not known, is there any counterpart of such “archaeology” in other competing and competitive religions and faiths. Deluge, flood, Ark, cross, and so other subjects have been discussed archaeologically and volumes of reports and books produced. Whether Eve was created from Adam or both created individually, they married together as brother and sister or born separately so that they could marry and beget children, yet the children split and speak different languages.  From the Paleolithic to the modern men are found in many places. Now, the demand is for crude oil, as from which only, common men get LPG, petrol, diesel etc., and not from the archaeological diggings, DNAs, or chromosomes or by calling man white or black, Aryan or Dravidian…….etc., Two world Wars were fought and millions were massacred in the name of race, racism and racialism. Even today war is going on in the name of peace, petrol and production of weapons.

From “white and black” to “Aryan and Dravidian” the problem continues: If the past 300 years period is divided as 1700-1800, 1800-1900 and 1900-2000, or  1750-1800, 1800-1850, 1850-1900,  1900-1950 and 1950-2000, the origin of human has not been settled with in spite of the scientific approach was / is applied, methodology adopted and studied samples even in the laboratories of high orders. From morphological to internal, blood to blood cells, cells to neurons, DNA to chromosomes, the principles of race, racism and racialism consciously work in the minds of the faithful researchers, dedicated experts and obedient technicians in laboratories.  In English, more verbose with scientific terms and terminology are / have been created, but the same old issues continue. Whether monogenetic or heterogenetic, out of Africa or out of Europe, the problem of Black or White remain the same. So for 50, 100, 200, or 300 again and again to prove the same hypothesis or theory, why more and more diggings, new laboratories and others are required? Common people have not got any benefit out such research and they are not worried also.

Why cut funds for Archaeological studies?: Globally, American and European Universities do not want to encourage archaeology, as the more and more such excavations are carried on in other continents, the more the extermination of the past civilizations, genocide and other crimes and acts of violence are coming out. They are not useful to the past-colonial masters and rulers. Under the economic exploitation of natural resources, the MNCs ae interested in pursuing more sites for getting natural resources like crude oil, gas and minerals. Therefore, when UK announced 50% cut for archaeology, some came out apologetically as follows. Under the caption[1], “Six Reasons to Save Archaeology From Funding Cuts,” what is discussed is – “Here are six reasons why archaeology has never been more relevant to society”:

1. Archaeology is (not( only about the past
2. Archaeology is a science
3. Archeology is a universal discipline
4. Archaeology can help shape a better world.
5. Archaeology is important to the economy
6. Archaeology is an excellent foundation for any career

Incidentally, in UK, archaeology hs become business – Companies working in development-led archaeology on average returned a profit (or surplus, for charitable organisations) of 2%. This low level of profit being reported across the sector is potentially unsustainable. 41% of respondents reported profits of less than 5% of the value of their turnovers, including several that reported annual losses of up to £482,373. The average profit/surplus per FTE member of staff was £3,663, the median was £2,550.

Large-scale development-led archaeology has changed the very nature of archaeological datasets. In addition to the familiar positive evidence of structures and deposits, there is now a wealth of ‘true-negative’ evidence: the confirmed absence of archaeological remains. Making good use of such data presents a challenge and demands new ways of thinking. Using case studies based on recent developer-led work in the UK, the authors suggest that focusing on ‘fingerprints’ of past human activity at a landscape scale provides a useful approach. The results argue in favour of changes to existing recording systems, as well as the need to integrate more fully both positive and negative evidence in archaeological interpretation[2].

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists: When archaeology has been commercialized, definitely the involved would talk only in the name of capital and investment, profit and loss and so on. Thus, in UK they have business working at different levels[3]. Research Ltd This project was commissioned by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers and funded by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers and Historic England.State of the Archaeological Market 2018 – This report has been prepared by Landward Research Ltd in its professional capacity as research, training and project management specialists, with reasonable skill, care and diligence within the agreed scope and terms of contract and taking account of the manpower and resources devoted to it by agreement with its clients, and is provided by Landward Research Ltd solely for its clients, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers. It may be further distributed as the clients see fit if Landward is fully credited as the originator of this report and Kenneth Aitchison is fully credited as the author.

Archaeology as disaster capitalism: The “corporate / business / commercial archaeology” wants only making money and not interested in preserving the past. Archaeologists commonly sign non-disclosure agreements for the corporations and developers for whom they work, limiting their ability to communicate about the work being done. Thus, there is little opportunity for truthtelling. Our conclusions destabilized four conventional tropes that we learned in our formal state education in archaeology[4]:

1. archaeology is not about the preservation of sites and materials, but rather is about facilitating the destruction of heritage landscapes;
2. archaeology is not undertaken in the name of research to learn about the past, but is undertaken to fulfill legal and regulatory obligations in the present;
3. archaeologists do not have a responsibility to disseminate their results, except to their clients and the government; and
4. archaeology is not undertaken for the public good, but is instead a private, for profit enterprise.

Archaeology is a form of disaster capitalism, characterized by specialist managers whose function is the clearance of Indigenous heritage from the landscape, making way for economic development. When presented with this critique, archaeologists respond strongly and emotionally, defending archaeology. Anger emanates from and revolves around the assertion that archaeologists are not just complicit in but integral to the destruction of the very heritage they claim to protect. In what we believe is an act of philosophical and economic self-preservation, mainstream archaeologists actively forget the relationship between archaeology, violence, and the global heritage crisis. Securely defended by its practitioners, archaeology, therefore, remains an imperial force grounded in the ideology of growth, development, and progress.

Commercialization in Archaeology: Problems, Old and New: C. Ann Bauermeister[5], summarized as, “Archeology has long enjoyed popularity among the public. Such interest is an asset to the discipline, for it can generate the support integral to the profession and to the study of the archeological record. Unfortunately, the allure of archeology also has the potential to be . destructive to the archeological record. When archeology is viewed as a hobby is when problems can–and do–arise. The term “amateur archeologist” has been applied to nonprofessional or untrained persons who pursue archeological work. Why our profession is thought of as one where amateurs are welcome is not entirely clear, though perhaps it is due in part due to how archeology has been romanticized through entertainment mediums. This paper addresses the current situation regarding collectors or “amateur archeologists”. More specifically it focuses on the commercialization of antiquities, the problem with fake and replicate artifacts, and finally the role that the Internet now plays”. According to Murphy et al.[6], “commodification is the process through which objects of archeological value are transformed through market activities into commodities with monetary value and transferred from public ownership to private” (1995:39). The problems addressed is attest to the fact that this is indeed a dilemma. The role of collectors, the influx of fraudulent artifacts, and the Internet as a trading network are current issues that archaeologists will have to confront. Given the situation, they need to take a proactive stance against the commercialization of artifacts.

Outsourcing, ethics and handling of samples: Nowadys, privatization works in archaeology, archaeological excavation, collection, testing of samples, disposal of samples, commercialization of samples etc. thus, outsourcing has also come into play with engagement of workers (who do not know any archaeology), students (under the guise of giving training) and others (trained but contract labourers). L. M. Shaffer Raab and others pointed out that[7], “The client-oriented approach to contract archaeology is a technical service rather than genuine scientific research. Such an approach fails to meet the requirements of the law, fails to satkfy the needs of archaeological science, and frequently fails to Protect the client i interests. A client orientation encourages an excessive emphasis on profits from contract work. Profits not only exclude a balance of archaeological, client, and public interests but threaten the scientific future of contract work. Solutions to the problem of client-oriented work include better academic training as researchers, support for government archaeologists, a strong professional consensus on ethical and performance standards, and attention to public interests. [contract archaeology, client-oriented archaeology, research profits, research obligations, professionalism]”

“Hypotheses” presented as Conclusion: Three days sitting there and listening to many archaeologists, epigraphists, numismatists and related experts, make any serious researcher and ordinary person would definitely think, what is the use of the conference and the results, if any, proposed or made to understand by others.

• Iravatham Mahadevan honestly accepted, “neti, neti”= neither this or that, thus, no conclusive conclusion can be arrived at the decipherment of Indus symbols, pictograms and script like features.
• But, many have been discussing as if the script has been deciphered, it is finalized and so on.
• Most of the paper presenters have not come  with their results, but, went on asserting that their findings have not be conclusive, as they have been preliminary;
• samples have not been sent to laboratories for dating; and other fats are not revealed;
• still “hypothesis” is boldly mentioned in the last slide as “conclusion,” why then such one hour long discourse is required is not known. Therefore, it is evident that sill such “hypothesis” is forced o the viewers.
• The theme “Recent advances in archaeological investigations of South India,” has been ignored, neglected or forgotten more that 70% paper presenters.

Questions, discussions avoided, evaded and conference proceeded: When different scholars, experts and others are coming together, Thus, slowly, asking questions were discouraged and stopped also on the pretext of time. Every year, hundreds of seminars, conferences and workshops are conducted throughout India spending crores of rupees. But, again and again, the expects come out the same or similar results and conclusions that divide people based on language, literature, race, ethnicity and so on. For bringing people together and progress in other aspects, nothing is suggested, brought out or concluded with specific points. Here also with all the expertise, scholarship and research, directly or indirectly, most of the papers come to revolve around the question of “Dravidian, Dravidians, Aryan, Aryans, invasion, migration, vegetarian food, non-vegetarian food, Vattezguthu (round script[8]), Tamil ezhuttu (Tamil script), ” etc. More than 100 years such research was conducted, now also is being conducted, but, what is the use to the general public, the people of Tamilnadu and India.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

18-03-2023.

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[1] The U.K. government recently- 2021,  announced plans to cut its subsidy for English university teaching of the subject (along with many arts courses) by 50 percent because it is not part of the government’s “strategic priorities.” https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/reasons-to-save-archaeology/

[2] Thomas, R., & Darvill, T. (2022). What haven’t we found? Recognising the value of negative evidence in archaeology. Antiquity, 96(388), 955-967. doi:10.15184/aqy.2022.69

[3] https://www.archaeologists.net/sites/default/files/Archaeological Market Survey 2017-18.pdf

[4] Hutchings, R., & La Salle, M. (2015). Archaeology as disaster capitalism. International journal of historical archaeology, 19, 699-720.

[5] Bauermeister, Ann C. “Commercialization in Archaeology: Problems, Old and New.” (1999). University of Nebraska – Lincoln, DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1114&context=nebanthro

[6] Murphy, L.E., M.e. Beaudry, R.E. Adams, and J.A Brown  Commercialization: Beyond the Law of Above It? Ethics and the Selling of the Archaeological Record. Ethics ill American Archaeology. 1995

[7] Raab, L. M., Schiffer, M. B., Klinger, T. C., & Goodyear, A. C. (1980). Clients, contracts, and profits: Conflicts, in public archaeology. American Anthropologist, 82(3), 539-551.

[8] https://www.tamilvu.org/ta/tdb-titles-cont-inscription-html-vatteluttu-280369

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – 12-03-2023 – Maritime contacts between south India and SEA, temple structure, – etc (8)

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2^nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – 12-03-2023 – Maritime contacts between south India and SEA, temple structure, –  etc (8)

12-03-2023 – Sunday- Third-day session: First, the archaeology officers of the department presented papers about the excavation works carried on at different places for the year 2021-2022 with photographs, as announced by the organizer, Rajan.. These details have been reported in the media regularly and much publicity has already been given by the CM, Ministers, MPs etc.  Now, the following presented their papers:

1. Asaithambi – Excavation at Mayiladuparai, Krishnagiri dist, 2021-2022.
2. S. Paranthaman – Perumbalai excavation, Dharmapuri dist, 2021-2022.
3. Nandagopal, Gangaikonda Chalapuram,, Udaiyarpalayam, Ariyalur, 2021-2022.
4. Vasanthakumar – Tulukkarpatti, Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli, 2021-2022.

After the presentation, Rajan also briefed about the excavations and informed that the officers were presenting their papers for the first time. About “Tulukkarpatti,” there was some discussion – how the place got the name, were thee any Islamic activities there and so on. Actually, V. Selvakumar started asking such questions.

Veena Mushrif Tripathy and Mhachami Ovung presented a paper on “Human skeletal studies on partial collection from Kondagai site, Tamilnadu: its future scope.”

Berenice Bellina presented her paper on “Early maritime exchange between South India and South East Asia – Mid 1^st Millennium BCE – 1^st Millennium CE”: During the period under study, India witnessed the emergence of several mature states: the Mauryas, Kushanas and the Guptas in North India, and the Satavahanas in the Deccan. South India also contained some powerful chiefdoms such as the Cheras, Cholasand the Pandyas, some of which emerged as urbanized kingdoms such as that of thePallavas, who ruled modern-day Tamil Nadu during the third/fourth to the ninth centuries CE. Despite the political plurality, what mattered for trade was the codification of crafts under guilds, which acted as banks and places for investment and the monetarization of parts of the economy, as shown by the wide range of coins issued by cities in different areas. Trade based on profit is well described in the Arthasastra, and an elaborate bureaucracy developed, especially in the Mauryan state. There was a considerable development of both overland and maritime trade routes, although with many regional variations in the organization of trade. The period also saw the rise of specialized trading communities (vanijas and setthis) in the middle Ganga Valley, dealing in salt, textiles, metals and pottery.

She was comparing the artefacts…

The newly spreading cults of Buddhism and Jainism accepted the accumulation and reinvestment of wealth; a concept quite alien to the culture of the earlier Vedic period in which reciprocal exchange of the “prestige goods” type had been the normal method of distributing exotic and luxury items. Long-distance trade between the agricultural hinterland of the middle Ganga Valley, ports such as Gange and Tamralipti in the Delta,and those at the mouth of the Narmada Valley on the west coast such as Broach (Barygazain the Periplus), developed rapidly at this time. The gem fields and gold-rich deposits of South India were quickly integrated into these trading systems.

analysis of industries, products….

With a lack of written records, we cannot analyse in the same detail as India, the structure of exchange within Southeast Asia for the thousand years from the fifth century BCE onwards. Good archaeological documentation is still scarce and we depend over-much on models based on analogies from more recent historical and ethnographic situations. For instance, Bronson, Wheatley, Wolters, Miksic and Wisseman Christie have all proposed evolutionary or structural models for Southeast Asian exchange systems.6 Although useful, these are generalized and abstract and, for the most part, lack firm support from empirical data from the past. However, we know that late prehistoric settlements of the second and early first millennia BCE in Mainland Southeast Asia regularly occur in small stream valleys which feed the major river systems.

locally produced goods with Indian technology……………………….

These, perhaps quite isolated, villages were linked by far-reaching exchange networks which saw marine shell ornaments being taken over 1,000 km from the coast, and copper and tin ingots and artefacts entering communities far removed from the ore sources. Marble, marine shell, serpentine and other rare stone material, ceramics and doubtless many perishable items exchanged hands along the river systems. As Higham makes clear, the middle of the first millennium BCE in southeast Asia was a period of profound economic, social and political change. The Iron Age in Southeast Asia was marked by increases in wealth and social complexity leading to powerful territorial polities. Large or valuable objects, such as Dong Son bronze drums and nephrite ornaments from Vietnam, arrived by sea to enter long-established exchange routes along the rivers. Thus, it is evident that intra and inter-regional exchange routes were well-developed before they were linked to the more developed South Asian trading systems. Wisseman Christie has argued for the emergence of three clusters of producer-trading states in Peninsular Malaysia during late centuries BCBC.7 But throughout most of Southeast Asia at this time, the highest level of political organization was what might be called chiefly society, or at best some nascent states in which and barter and gift-giving were likely to have been the principal modes of exchange, since there is no evidence for coinage. In central Vietnam, the Sa-Huynh Culture probably represented a culturally-related series of chiefdoms which were closely involved in overseas trade, as shown by the theSa-Huynh, or Sa-Huynh influenced, artefacts and urn burials widely distributed in the Philippines, northern Indonesia and parts of Thailand.

imports, exports common…

The technological study presented here concludes that the adaptation of what was perceived in foreign cultures as a carrier of modernity and sophistication resulted in the creation of a ‘trans-regional ’élite whose identity was based on common reinterpreted foreign cultural values and practices. This study has also identified some of the social groups involved as well as characterising the exchanges. In particular, it identified the circulation of Indian productions made to order, as well as the direct involvement of some Indian craft castes (the Brahmans). Both raise the question of the Indian response to South-east Asian demands. They imply that the South-east Asian agencies were far from passive in the process since they werein position to orientate the exchange by their specific orders.

trade guilds worked together……

The transfer of Indian politico-religious features as well as of manufacturing techniques imply periods of close and lasting interaction between India and South-east Asia. It is likely that the South-east Asian élite not only wanted to possess the status markers but also the means to produce them, such as the craftsmen who could transfer their knowledge or the Brahmans who could provide legitimising rituals. The identification of the possible presence of Indian craftsmen in South-east Asia, as I propose for the early port site of Khao Sam Kaeo, could provide clues on the modes of transfers and on the nature of interactions. Now it remains to define the stages of these interactions, a goal to which the study of the site of Khao Sam Kaeo could provide answers. This study of the earliest evidence for exchange between India and South-east Asia also anticipates an affect on the economy, urbanisation and state formation – matters which remain to be investigated.

With ceramic, glass, metallic artefacts found, she was pointing out that there were contacts between the trading people of the Coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal and that of the SEA countries. The artefacts were locally manufactured perhaps with the expertise received from the Indians, as they exhibited clear Indian influence. Even required raw materials could have been imported from India that included Ceylon / Sri Lanka in those days. An alliance among / between the ports of Bay of Bengal could have also been existing, as the traders were moving periodically from the Indian coasts and travelling across the ocean to reach SEA countries and China also. The trade guilds that existed clearly point to such fact.

Ramakrishna Pisipathy – Recent Archaeological investigations in Lower Palar river: Palar is a river of southern India. It rises in the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapuradistrict of Karnataka state and flows 222 km southeastward through Tamil Nadu before reaching its confluence into the Bay of Bengal at Vayalur about 100 km south of Chennai. Of the seven tributaries, the chief tributary is the CheyyarRiver and the Vegavati. Kanchipuram, one of the ancient cities is located on thebanks of the Palar and Vegavti river.Kanchipuram (13.40’N & 76.25’E 12.98°N 79.71°E,) is one of the important centers and hub for many satellite centers with urban features in the south by the time of early centuries of the present era. Like all ancient cities in India,Kanchipuram is also situated on the banks of river, Vegavati, a split channel ofthe Palar river which is connected to the Bay of Bengal (east coast). It has anelevation of 83.2 m (273 ft) above sea level and the flat land with slopes towards the south and east. All suitable geographical setup of the region has been utilized by the human beings from the very beginning. Recent studies are further strengthening the potentiality of the region in not only as an early lithic centre but also a hub of continues human activities in the region, even till now.

V. Selvakumar – Architecture of Southern India and roof-tiles of Historical period: he described various roof-tiles used in different periods starting with prehistoric period. Of course for such period, there was no evidence. Fr Neolithic and other periods were also, roof might have been there, but not tiles. With the existing medieval structures, he was trying to interpret that older structures too had such tiled-roof. Here also his interpretation that “Katrali” to have a roof was a privilege and so on.

Santhalingam (on-line), Madurai. Recent epigraphical evidences in Pandyanadu: He was interpreting with different inscriptions.

Shanti Pappu – Excavations at Sendrayanpalayam (SEN), Tamilnadu: New perspective on the Lower Paleolithic: They have been doing the work for the last 25 years with facilities of laboratory and studies. They have been carrying out prehistoric excavations, research, teaching and educating with training also. They have been excavating at different pprehistoric sites by locating using scientific methodology. The “Site” itself becomes crucial in archaeology, to definite and realize specifically.  Sendrayanplayam is about a two-hour-drive from Chennai in southern India. The Sendrayanpalayam site is fairly well-preserved and represents a slightly different environment relative to Attirampakkam. Studying more such places could help show when and how humans came to live and adapt in south India.

Kumar Akhilesh, Mohamed Sahrumi, Prchi Joshi and Shanti Pappu – Excavations at Senarayanpalayam (SEN), Tamilnadu: New perspective on the Lower Paleolithic:..The group presented the above details in different perspective…and most of these details are available in the internet.

Ansumali Mukhopadhyay – Indus script signs for gold, gold measuring unit, and treasury: Taxed commodities and tax collecting entities encoded in Indus inscriptions: Taking some symbols, she tried to interpret .Ansumali Mukhopadhyay  has alredy published the same and similar papers and they are available in the internet for downloading. S. Kalyanaraman and others have also been working on the same lies for more than 40-50 years and their published papers and books are also available.

Satyamurthy taking the example of Veppattur temple, he explained how an old temple existed…..

The depilated super structure on an elevated place….

T. Satyamurthy: Architectural tradition of Tamilnadu: Distinctions and recent trends: Temple structures could not have come into existence suddenly. There must have been many processes of evolution for such structure to come into existence. Based on the inscription of Mahendr varman (610-630 CE), “This brickless, timberless, metalless and mortarless mansion of Laksita was caused to be made by king Vicitracitta for Brahma, Isvara and Visnu”, it is believed that temple architecture came into existence in Tamilagam only during 7^th cent.CE. So here, except metal, other materials are perishable and hence during the course of times, they were disappearing and temples rebuilt. There are many references in Sangam literature about the existence of structures. With the Veppattur depilated temple taking scnned pictures, three-layered paintings, size of the bricks used etc., he proved that the Sanpam period temple was in existence and it was abandoned due to some reason and now, it has been renovated and restored.

he compared the super structure, bricks etc.,

how it existed through, Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara………..is shown with evidences…..

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

16-03-2023.

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – the second day proceedings – 11-03-2023- continued (4)

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2^nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – the second day proceedings – 11-03-2023- continued (4)

Srinivas V. Parigar

11-03-2023 – Srinivas V. Parigar presented a paper on “Looking for Early Tamil Nadu Artistic Elements in the Deccan”: Taking the 543-900 CE period taken for the study of research, he was emphasizing that the southern art was not so impressive that were coming from the north and trying to compare the sculptures of Chalukya and Pallavas mainly. Depending upon the inscriptions, he was pointing out that the Pallava grantha character partially damaged 543 CE, When Narasimha Varman invaded and conquered Vatapi, it was destroyed. With the sculptures of Vaikuntamurthy, Ananthamurthy Vishnu, as Narasimha image is found, on the top of the head, he tries to interpret that he (Narasimha Varman –I) might have added this sculpture on the head of the Vishnu. Of course, he accepts that there is no inscriptional evidence for such an interpretation.

With Vamana-Trivikrama images, he tries to differentiate that Narasimha would have changed the Chalukya style. That is the artists and sculptors of the period would have changed the features and styles of the deities carved and thus the variance was noted.

Then with the images of Mahisasura Mardini, he was explaining different features – Durga chasing Mahisasura – points out differences. He then compared it with Ellora sculptures also. As he already pointed out that such artistic representation of the deities was evolved in the north and spread to the suth. Generation to generation, the artists had been slowly changing the depiction of Mahisasuramardini. Then he interprets the hair style and other features are also changing.

The depiction of the style of Dvarapalalas were also changing (Ayudhapurushas)- the change  might also be due to sectarian philosophy. Though he took the period 543-900 CE, he was not specifically coming out what was there in change during the period.

He was explaining the features of dwarapalakas also.

He was trying to explain how they style of Goddesses were also changing…

So when asked about the dating of the Pallava script, he avoided saying that it was not the subject of his paper (though pointed out that inscription was damaged). When K. V. Ramakrishna Rao asked about the dating of the script with reference to the sculptures of the Chalukyas, Pallavas etc., the paper presenter avoided Then, J. Soundarajan asked about the dating of the sculptures in a different way. For that, he responded that he caught the point but telling he was concentrating only on the sculptural and artistic differences. When started asking, it was announced that time was over.

Tony Joseph – Population Genetics Ancient DNA and the peopling of India (on-line): Tony Joseph discusses the chain of reasoning behind the dating of the Out of Africa migration, based on genetic, climatic, and fossil data, and the possible routes taken out of Africa into Asia. It appears that the first modern humans (Homo sapiens) with whom we can establish genetic continuity, settled in India about 65,000 years ago. This does not mean that there were no members of any Homo species in India before that and, indeed, the Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh, famous for the rock art of their inhabitants, seem to have been occupied at various points in time from about 100,000 years ago. There are also Paleolithic tools from Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu dating back to 1.5 million years ago. South Asia seems to have been highly populated for a very long time, but these older lineages who crafted the earliest tools or created the earliest rock art in the Indian subcontinent do not share genetic continuity with us, leading the Early Indians story to focus on the period from 65,000 years onwards.

It took about 5000 years before the establishment of agriculture in Mehrgarh leading to the development of the Harappan Civilization between 4600–3900 years ago (2600–1900 BCE). At its peak, the Harappan Civilization covered an area of about 1 million square kilometres (about one-third the size of India) and included cities located in presentday Pakistan, western India, and northeastern Afghanistan. Some of the important cities excavated include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira. The inhabitants were the descendants of the mixing between the people from the Zagros region and the First Indians. Tony Joseph provides a fascinating account of the artefacts (including bangles and toys, water buffalo seals, standardized weights and measures, and ‘lotas’ in toilets that every house seemed to have had!), customs, and city planning in the Harappan Civilization, and trade links with other civilizations. A sticky issue has been that of the language that was spoken in the Harappan Civilization since the script has not yet been deciphered. However, based on the genetic and archaeological findings of the connection between the Zagrosians and the Harappan Civilization, it is possible that the former brought a Mesopotamian language with them, possibly a Proto-Elamite language. Elamite is extinct now but is related to Brahui, which is spoken in parts of Balochistan and is also related to the Dravidian languages of India.

Arunraj, Yatish kumar and Muthukumar presented a paper on Adichanallur, Trichy ASI. Arunraj, Director started describing the various objects found at Adchanallur. He was also comparing the findings of Alexander Rae with that of present excavated examples. He was mainly addressing the students showing many photographs. The details from his catalogue book – The two important collections which form the subject of this catalogue were brought together as tbe result of excavations conducted by Mr. A. Rea, formerly Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India, Southern Circle, and are exhibited in an extension of the Prehistoric Gallery of the Madras Government Museum which was specially erected for their accommodation.By far the more extensive of the two finds is that from Adichanallur and other localities in the Tinnevelly or most southern district of the Madras Presidency. The Adichanallur site was first brought to notice in 1876, when it was visited by Dr. Jagor of Berlin, who secured a considerable number of articles for the Berlin Museum fur Volkerkunde. Further explorations were conducted in the winter of 1903-1904, by M. Louis Lapicque of Paris, which resulted in additional collections, and as a result of their examination M. Lapicque arrived at the conclusion that the remains belonged to a Proto-Dravidian race. A detailed investigation of the sites was conducted by Mr. Rea, at intervals from 1899 to J 905, when the present collection and a large number of duplicates were obtained. While admitting that the burialgrounds might be of great antiquity, Mr. Rea was on the whole disposed to think that they were of Pandyan origin and ight even have been in use after the commencement of the Christian era. The burial-ground at Adichanallur covers an area of one hundred and fourteen acres and is the most extensive yet discovered in South India. The funeral urns were deposited.

Alok Kumar Kanungo and Amit Arora presented a paper on “South Indian Iron: An antiquity and metallurgical study”: This paper mainly had dealt with the taken some selected sites and the iron samples and sent them for metallurgical analysis. As a pilot study (microscope, elemental composition, microstructure, carbon content and AMS dating) is carried out on selected Iron findings from the sites – Ambal, Gangaikondacholapuram, Keeladi, Mangadu, Poram, Vallam. Iron in south India goes back to c.2000 BCE, because of urbanization and cultural development. There were much evidence that Iron and steel were produced and so also articles out of them. Therefore, the people of these areas were knowing Iron alloying techniques to manufacture steel of all categories with high-temperature handling capabilities. . …Bloomery and blast iron methods were developed at different places. The Bloomery method has been the most ancient practice in steel making in India. The inclusion of slag in the microstructure as noted proves the bloomer method used. Hammering would get the required microstructure. This paper also comes under the “reverse engineering” category, as they have studied the ferrous metallic objects thoroughly with microanalysis.

The present study area is southern Tamil Nadu, the region south of River Kaveri (Figure 1 a). Humans have colonized this region from pre-historic times. The Tamil University, Thanjavur excavated the archaeological sites of Vallam, Nagapattinam and Ambal, and the Archaeological Survey of India excavated Therazhundur. These studies have resulted in establishing the cultural chronology and cultural contact of the ancient inhabitants. The study also shows that Tamil culture had spread to the neighbouring island country of Sri Lanka. This study deals with iron artefacts retrieved from two sites, viz. Ambal and Vallam. These two sites are close to the Bay of Bengal (west of 79°50′E); this strategic location played a major role in trade and cultural contact.

Ambal: The site of Ambal (10°56′53.58″N; 79°42′12.65″E) is located in Nagapattinam district (border of Tiruvarur) and was excavated under the directorship of Selvakumar32 in 2015–16. The site has been inhabited from Iron Age until the modern times, through early historic, early medieval and late medieval periods. Throughout these periods, it has yielded a good number of iron and copper implements. One of the early objects, viz. axe was found in the lowermost layer at the site, i.e. the Iron Age (Figure 1 b). Two crucibles used for possible copper working were also found in the early medieval period (Figure 1 c).

Vallam: The site of Vallam (10°42′50.4″N; 79°4′12.72″E) in Thanjavur district was excavated under the directorship of Subbarayalu.

Specimens and methods: The specimens such as axe (AM/1) and iron objects (AM/2, AM/3 and VM/1) were recovered from two habitation sites of Ambal and Vallam. Table 1 provides the sample details, associated dates and conditions of the samples. These samples were from three different periods, i.e. Iron Age, early medieval and medieval age. Figure 2 a–d shows the physical appearance of the samples before mounting for further analysis. The arrows in the figure indicate the cross-section where grinding and polishing were done before microscopy and mechanical testing. Sample AM/1 was a core part of the axe and cut from the corner of the sharp edge, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 2 a. Before mounting, these samples were analysed using an XRF spectrometer (PANalytical Epsilon1, UK) to determine the chemical composition. Then the samples were cold-mounted in epoxy resin and polished using SiC papers of 120, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1200 grit size. The cloth polishing was done using water suspension of 5 μm alumina powder. The mirror-finished polished samples were chemically etched with Nital (10 ml nitric acid mixed with 90 ml ethanol) at room temperature for 60 s. The etched samples were washed under running water and ethanol, and observed under the optical microscope (OLYMPUS BX51, Japan) to determine the microstructure. The samples were analysed under a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM; JEOL JSM7600F, Japan) in the backscattered electron mode at 10 kV voltage and 48.60 μA probe current before and after chemical etching to detect different phases. EDX attached with SEM was used at 15 mm working distance and 15 kV voltage to confirm the different phases. The microhardness of the polished samples was measured at 500 g load for 15 s using the Vickers microhardness indenter. The indenter was placed at the core of the samples to collect the numerous hardness values (at least 10), and the standard deviation was calculated.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

13-03-2023.

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – the second-day proceedings (3)

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2^nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – the second-day proceedings (3)

The Vdakkappattu prehistoric site

Site lay out plan – above……

Trench details…..artefacts found details below……………..

artefacts list..

sectional diagram of one of the pits of the excavated site…

prehistoric tools found…..

palaeolithic tools found…..

the Pallava period sculpture found..

11-03-2023 – second-day proceedings: Appasamy Murugesan headed the 5th session on the second day. First Kalimuthu, ASI presented his paper on “Archaeological excavation at Vadakkapattu, Tamilnadu.” 500 prehistoric sites in Tamilnadu, but, only a few sites were excavated. Vdakkuppattu, locally called as Nathamedu has been chosen, of course in 1998 itself, it was discovered by ASI. We got many prehistoric tools on the surface itself. Nearly one-half metre height from the ground of the mound has already been disturbed by the local people, as they took out the materials for levelling etc., and levelled for cultivation. Recently, one Sivalinga was found, therefore, the site could have been used for worship. Then he started about the site layout, trenches etc with photographs. ……………..The pallava period sculpture was found. In short, he explained about the excavation carried on at the site. He went on to show different prehistoric tools, beads, glass bangles, terracotta figurines, iron objects, gold ornaments,  broken conical jar, potsherds with graffitis, PGW, bones, and other items found, but, accepting that they could be identified specifically. This excavation has been only preliminary nature. When the chair asked, “any question,” none came forward to ask. Incidentally, most of his presentation has already appeared in the media with sensation. A google can prove with more photographs of the site etc.

paper presented by Aruna Manathunga……

Anuradhapura period…..

Mhavamsa says the encounters between Tamil and Sri Lanka kings…..

Aruna Manathunga – “Polonnaruva- the Chola capital of Sri Lanka”: The next paper presenter was Aruna Manathunga and he had dealt with “Polonnaruva- the Chola capital of Sri Lanka” and he was pointing out that the Colas were the for 70 years.  As per Mahavamsa, the Tamil kings ruled during the Anuradhapura period. Karikalan invaded and carried away 24,000 Lankans used for building dam across Kaveri and Gajabahu in turn took revenge in thousands of Tamil as slaves. In 1173, an invasion began against the dynasties of South India by the Sinhalese king and conqueror Maha Parakramabahu. His armies first captured the Pandyan kingdom, and then advanced into Chola Nadu, attacking the Tondi and Pasi regions. In approximately 1173, the Sinhalese kingdom of Polonnaruwa, invaded the neighbouring Pandya kingdom and overthrew its leader Kulasekhara Pandyan. The Sinhalese monarch, Parakramabahu I ordered Vira Pandyan to be installed to the throne. However due to the Chola king, Rajadhiraja’s increased his involvement in the war, the Chola mainland became a target of the invading forces. After conquering the Pandyan kingdom, the leader of the expeditionary forces, Lankapura invaded the Chola states of Tondi and Pasi, which the Chola inscription describes as “striking fear into the hearts of its residents”. He burnt up to 30 kilometers of the Chola kingdom as a punishment for interference in the war. The captives were sent for works, such as repairing the stupas. Rajadhiraja instructed his general to kill Lankapura. Meanwhile, the fear-ridden residents, started performing for Shiva, expecting for relief from the invaders.The worshippers carried the worship for 28 days, until they received the news Lankapura had retreated. The chief who ruled the village of Arapakkam, Edirisola Subramanam, granted the village to a Hindu priest who helped conduct worships.

He found similarities between SEA and Sri Lanka. About one sculpture, there were varieties of interpretations. These were questioned by one participant and he (Aruna) agreed. For SEA similarity, he showed one structure, for “Karaikkal Ammaiyar,” he interpreted as “Avaloteswar.”

P. J. Cherian – Muciri Pattinam: The epicentre of Tamil classical culture: started paying tribute to I. Mahadevan…..there was continuance maritime contacts between the Mediterranean and India coast…….. The Pattanam archaeological site (N. Lat. 10°09.434’; E. Long. 76°12.587’) is located in Vadakkekara village of Paravur Taluk, about 25 km north of Kochi in the Ernakulam District in Kerala, India. This is a coastal site located in the delta of the Periyar River and is now about 4 km from the Arabian Sea coast. The Paravur Todu, presently a distributory of the Periyar, flows about 1 km south of the site. The river Periyar flows 5 km north of Pattanam. The site is surrounded by palaeo (old) channels, a backwater, lagoons and streams. Though the site is surrounded by marshy areas with saline water, the Pattanam mound has sweet water suitable for drinking, which may be one of the reasons for the ancient settlement there.

second urbanization…

Global Tamil culture, he located on the southwest, because of seasonal / trade winds…..“classical” means, the earlier period was not classical…classical was rural, kinship, social organization etc., inferior to the classical period. Muciripattinam was in no way inferior to the Greek-Roman culture..When Greek-Roman culture is meant, it is implied that all other cultures were non-classical or inferior to Greeko-Roman culture…from that time onwards, a certain type of parochialism crept into historiography…my parochialism that Tamil is superior is also developed…this attitude is continuing in the varied different ways..and such self-congratulating attitude is thoroughly established in today’s world, because of these three forces. Structural forces that existed from those classical time – 1. Straight, 2. Market and 3. Religion. Urban-rural dichotomy played economic imbalance.

Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Chinese civilizations were existing.. pyramidical power structures..existed in the classical period as power structures. Whereas the Tamil culture is more horizontal, and flexible, with rational thinking…1st cent BCE to 3rd cent CE, the Tamil culture spread to three areas – the Mediterranean, middle-east and SEA. Most of the excavated objects belong to the Early Historic period (3rd century BCE to 5th century CE). The objects and features discovered suggest that Pattanam was probably the ancient port of Muziris, or Muciri Pattinam, mentioned in classical Tamil, Greek and Latin sources as a key port in the maritime networks of the period. The Pattanam finds point to the presiding role of the Indian sub-continent in transforming the Indian Ocean into a trading lake[1].

Most of the material related to trans-oceanic trade was found in layers belonging to the Early Historic period. Non-local ceramics such as amphorae, terra sigillata, Turquoise Glazed Pottery, torpedo and ovoid jar suggest these and their contents were brought into Pattanam. The Indian Rouletted Ware sherds in significant numbers mark the links with the Indian sub-continent trade network. Other materials such as glass beads, Roman glassware and stone cameo blanks indicate trade exchanges. In this period, Pattanam seems to have achieved an urban status as seen by burnt bricks, roof tiles, terracotta ring wells and other finds like early Chera copper and lead coins. Pattanam, as presently known, had connections with the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean littorals (from East Africa to the South China region) and with other parts of the Indian subcontinent during various phases in its history spanning three millennia. The uniqueness of Pattanam is that it had contacts with the outside world before the Roman phase.

The frankincense crumbs, Turquoise Glazed Pottery, Torpedo and Ovoid jar fragments from the South Arabian and Mesopotamian regions point to the PreRoman, Roman and Post Roman links of Pattanam, from 300 BCE – 1000 CE. Ample evidence of Pattanam’s Mediterranean connections, during the period 100 BCE – 500 CE, is available at the site in the form of sherds of amphorae, terra sigillata, intaglios, cameo blanks, Roman glass fragments, Roman gaming counters etc. The Blue and White ceramics and other Chinese sherds point to later trade links of Pattanam with the eastern Indian Ocean regions, from 1500 – 1900 CE. Thus, gemstones, glass beads, semi-precious stone beads, inlays, intaglios, cameo-blanks, gold jewellery, copper coins, spices and pottery, vouch for Pattanam’s trade links with the Indian subcontinent and beyond, for much of its history (1000 BCE to CE 2000).

Cherian paper – subjected to many questions: When K. V. Ramakrishna Rao asked him the following questions,

1. What were the material evidences of the ancient Tamil that they had boats and ships to have maritime contacts with the ancient civilizations you mentioned.
2. Why Alexander should have invaded the illiterate Mauryans than the literate Tamils, when the Greeko-Romans were having much contacts with the Sangam Tamils, that too giving the best and taking the best out of them, as you claimed.
3. You claimed that the Greeko-Romans were having pyramidal structure of social hierarchy, whereas, the Sangam Tamil horizontal, thn what about the classification of மாங்குடி மருதனார் , “துடியன், பாணன், பறையன், கடம்பன் என்று இந்நான்கல்லது குடியும் இல்லை ”,

He was responding differently telling that tones teak of others (non-Indians) were found there etc., so he again he requested to give a direct answer, but, he could not give it. For the second question, he accepted that he himself wanted to raise such a question (but, praising the Geeeko-Roma classical culture indirectly). Similarly, about the non-existence of any religious object in the excavated materials,  asked, he could not answer directly. By that time, it was announced that time was over.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

13-03-2023.

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[1] P.J. Cheriann and Jeya Menon, Unearthing Pattanam- histories, cultures, crossings, Kerala Council of Historical Research, can be downloaded from here –

Click to access PAMA_Amity_Excavation_Catalogue_Masterlayout_Unearthing_Pattanam.pdf

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – Dravidian – known and unknown (2)

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2^nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – Dravidian – known and unknown (2)

10-03-2023 – Friday – Continuance of paper reading session: After the Minister’s visit, Appasamy Murugaiyan delved upon the nuances of syntax, grammar, linguistics, prosody, etc. With Sangam literature, he was explaining such linguistic traces, glosses and interpretations. Next, Pitchappan while presenting his views on the “Evolution of Dravidian – known and unknown” mainly repeating already published matter “out of Africa” hypothesis and theory and maintaining his stand that Dravidians came from Africa. He also claimed that “Dravidian is inclusive of language, culture and gene code”  Men originated from Africa and by 60,000 YBP spread out from Africa, unidirectionally, the Y-chromosome was spreading. Polymorphism – first man appeared in Veerumandi, near Madura, in Tamilnadu. In other words, the African primate, hominid came here to settle and evolve into a Dravidian. All the Sangam tribes Kadan, Kurumban etc., of all categories came from Africa. He undertook the 1-million-dollar project in 20006-2015 on the “Genography” project 10,000 Indian samples taken and research conducted to arrive at such results. Three unidirectional migrations represent Dravidian at different periods.  Neolithic people came from outside. How the migrated were mixed, languages cannot be determined. Root words spread occurred by 15,000 YBP. Murugan is considered as “Tamil god” Neolithic god, but, it was known in Gandhara before Sangam period. Caste system in Sangam period is noted with male domination. With chromosomes and their connection with the language speaking people are pointed out. Yet, nothing can be said definitely. Even asper the dating c.6^th cent.BCE does not help this chronology.

He was arguing that “Dravidian” evolved at different periods………………………..

For the questions asked, he maintained that humanity originated only from Africa: He claimed that he worked with the “Genographic project” and the DNA results show that humanity originated in Africa and spread to other continents. Was there any origin of man from South India and such questions were asked, but, he maintained that that humanity originated in Africa and spread to other continents. This is studied after 2500-3500 YBP, thus, much of miscegenation could have taken place. It is believed that man originated from Africa and spread to other parts of the world. He sticks to the theory, as obviously, he has been working for the project. Europeans do not accept that they originated from Europe and therefore, if they originated from India, then, evidences have to be produced.

He was stressing how humanity originated from Africa and spread……..

Tamil monkey or Dravidian monkey?: TH CM was reacting euphemistically, “Our minds become energized and happy when we say Tamil Nadu Tirunal. Nevertheless, some people tease us by saying the first monkey born in the world was the Tamil monkey. However, we are not concerned about that. Whatever we say, it is scientifically based,” he said[1]. TH CM was telling that “the first monkey on the earth was a “Tamil” monkey and such claim is scientifically based”[2], but, he (Pitchappan) says, it was a Dravidian monkey. Thus, the Tamil-Dravidian wrangle has been there linguistically and scientifically among the DNA-scientists and the Dravidian experts. As the Europeans try to have their own “Neanderthal,” Dravidians want their “Tamil counterpart.” Therefore, the hypothesized monogenetic or multi-genetic origin of hominid, homoerectus, monkey, ape, chimpanzee etc., would continue with scientific research.

Aryan invasion and Dravidan invasion or migration?: Indian history has been with the Aryan race, invasion and then, migration (through invasion and various means) hypotheses and theories. Thus, whenever the word “Arya, Aryan, Ariyan”, etc., was read, Indians think about some nomadic race coming from Central Asia entering India through the northwest and defeating the Dravidian people of the area, particularly, the Indus Valley. Though, initially, “Dravida, Dravidians, Dravidar” were not thought of, after the advent of Caldwell, such hypotheses and theories have also become popular. Thus, the Aryan-Dravidian hypotheses and theories have been part and parcel of the history books taught for the last 100 hears. As for as the Tamilnadu is concerned, such hypotheses and theories have become not only history, but also, art, archaeology, dance, drama, cinema etc., at one side and politics, political party, political ideology and so on., at the other side. Now, if the DNA research claims that Dravidian also came from Africa, then, what exactly happened in history?

Rakhigarhi or Africa? – how the archaeologists decide?: According to recent reports, with the latest works (archaeological and genetic) in and around Rakhigarhi, Sinauli, etc, the Aryan invasion hypothesis surely died its deserved death. But another theory became prevalent that said that Homo sapiens first emerged in Africa and by around some 70-50,000 years ago, a small group (possibly as few as 150 to 1,000 people), crossed the Red Sea. They travelled along the coastal route around the coast of Arabia and Persia until reaching India. This proposition was popularly called the Post Toba Theory. As per the existing models, the modern human dispersals are primarily based on lithic assemblages, a few fossils remains and genetics. According to the most popular model (MIS 5), the modern humans left Africa around 120,000 years ago and colonised the rest of the whole world by 40,000 years ago. But the recent studies tell us that as per the fossil evidence from Apidima Cave in Greece (Harvati et al., 2019[3]) and Misiliya cave in Israel[4] (Hershkovitz et al., 2018) the modern human existence outside Africa goes older than 210,000 years ago.

Pre-Toba models and other claims about the origin: However, these findings do not yet ascertain the dispersal to South Asia earlier than 120,000 years ago. The scholars of the field attribute the Middle Palaeolithic technologies’ presence in India and the rest of South Asia to the modern humans that arrived from Africa between 120,000 and 70,000 years ago (Petraglia et al., 2007). This conclusion came from a very interesting finding from the 74,000-year-old Toba Tuff deposits at the Jwalapuram site. These were the Middle Palaeolithic artefacts and resembled almost the African Middle Stone Age artefacts (Petraglia et al., 2007; Haslam et al., 2012). And that is how the Pre-Toba model (Petraglia et al., 2007) became popular to explain the initial modern human colonisation of India.

Toba, pre-Toba etc.,: Next the luminescence age testing was further carried out in various sites, and they further reinforced the pre-Toba model. The Middle Palaeolithic assemblages from Katoti in Rajasthan and Sandhav in Kutch, were found to be around 96 ± 13 and 114 ±12 thousand years old respectively (Blinkhorn et al., 2013; Blinkhorn et al., 2019). Even the research from a site in the middle of the Son Valley called Dhaba showed out middle Palaeolithic assemblages dating to around 80,000 years, thereby bringing more buttresses for pre-Toba model (Clarkson et al., 2020). These studies utilising reliable chronometric ages of Middle Palaeolithic assemblages ranging from 120 to 40 thousand years ago, hint to the notion that the South Asian Middle Palaeolithic expertise was familiarised by the modern humans as a part of the Eurasian colonisation after having branched out of Africa. Then we have the studies which show that the youngest age for the Late Acheulean assemblages from Patpara going to 137 ± 10 thousand years ago and 131 ± 9 thousand years ago in Bamburi respectively (Haslam et al., 2011). These studies corroborate the notion about the existence of archaic hominins just before the appearance of modern humans in South Asia, as understood by the Out of Africa theory.

Why not Attirampakkam?: But there is something beyond those studies which somehow has not been taken into academic consideration. At Attirampakkam Middle Palaeolithic assemblages were found which dated to around 385 thousand years ago (Akhilesh et al., 2018). As per the latest studies, it has been understood that Middle Palaeolithic technology in South Asia goes way older than academic consensus on the footprint of modern humans outside Africa (Devara et al., 2022). But just the presence of Middle Palaeolithic assemblages is not enough to decide for the existence of Homo sapiens in India a lot before the alleged dispersal around 75,000 years ago from Africa and at least simultaneous existence.

Africa or Europe?: Stringer, Chris, and Lucile Crété conclude carefully[5], “Recent progress in the recovery of environmental DNA from cave sediments promises to revolutionize our under­standing of population relationships on the ground as H. sapiens and H. neanderthalensis groups interacted with each other. Few European sites in the time period between 40–60 ka contain human fossils, but many more of them could contain traces of human presence in the form of mitochon­drial and nuclear genomic material. Research so far dem­onstrates that sediment DNA can identify humans at the species and individual levels, and this could potentially map the co-existence of different populations, their sex, their kinship relations, and the extent of intermixture be­tween the different populations (Vernot et al. 2021; Zavala et al. 2021). Such breakthroughs could not have been an­ticipated even a few years ago, and no doubt there will be many more surprises to come. There is still much to learn about the ancient encounters that we have discussed in this paper, which left an indelible genetic mark on humanity today, and which makes their study so intriguing”.

10-03-2023 – Friday – Continuance of paper reading session: Last session was chaired by Ravi Korisettar and Exavation officers of the state archaeological department presented papers.

• Ramesh – Keeladi
• J. Baskar – Excavation at the settlement site of Adichanallur (2019-20 and 2020-21)
• Prabhakaran – Sivagalai
• J. Ranjith – Kodumanal excavation -2019-21
• Rangadurai  – Korkai excavation

And the details of their papers have been available in the public domain and internet, as such information has been well publicized by the TN Government.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

12-03-2023.

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[1] Indian Express, Tamil Nadu Day: CM MK Stalin recalls DMK’s role in naming State, Published: 19th July 2022 03:19 AM  |   Last Updated: 19th July 2022 03:19 AM.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2022/jul/19/tamil-nadu-day-cm-mkstalin-recalls-dmks-role-in-naming-state-2478079.html

[2] The dailies and media translated his speech as, “At that time, some people would tease us saying, “The first monkey born in the world was the Tamil monkey”. We are not worried about that. Whatever we say, we say it scientifically. Isn’t it a shame? The day that shame was wiped away, this 18th of July!”.

[3] Harvati, Katerina, et al. “Apidima Cave fossils provide earliest evidence of Homo sapiens in Eurasia.” Nature 571.7766 (2019): 500-504.

[4] Harney, É., May, H., Shalem, D., Rohland, N., Mallick, S., Lazaridis, I., Sarig, R., Stewardson, K., Nordenfelt,

S., Patterson, N., Hershkovitz, I. and Reich, D. (2018). Ancient DNA from Chalcolithic Israel reveals the

role of population mixture in cultural transformation. Nature Communication 9(1): 3336, DOI:

10.1038/s41467-018-05649-9

[5] Stringer, Chris, and Lucile Crété. “Mapping Interactions of H. neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens from the Fossil and Genetic Records.” PaleoAnthropology 2022.2 (2022).

The proceedings of the National seminar Buddhism and Sectarian Religious faith in India or Buddha and Anti-caste Bhakti Saints held at Acharya Nagarjuna University on March 1st and 2nd 2023 (4)

The proceedings of the National seminar Buddhism and Sectarian Religious faith in India or Buddha and Anti-caste Bhakti Saints held at Acharya Nagarjuna University on March 1^st and 2^nd 2023 (4)

Caste system in Burma / Myanmar: The Burmese authorities presently recognise no fewer than 135 separate ethnic groups out of 55 million population, living within the union. Of these, the Bamar are easily the largest. Myanmar’s first national census in over 30 years. The other six main ethnic groups are –

1. the Shan, 2. Kachin, 3. Kayin,

4. Rakhine, 5. Chin and 6. Mon,

each of which has its own state. These seven main ethnic groups together constitute about 92 per cent, with the remaining 8 per cent divided between a fascinating patchwork of minority tribes. Jane Fergusson discussed the issue as follows[1]: The system of caste, or a hierarchical social system based on occupation, prestige, and ideas about pollution, had been considered a master trope in the framing of the imperial census[2] (Kumar 2006:387), and one which colonial officers had grown accustomed to in British India. Census officials even noted that caste could be tested by ‘actual existing facts and beliefs to a far greater extent than is possible with respect to race’ (Webb[3] 1912:250). However, the categories of caste simply did not gain traction for census officials working in Burma; thus they struggled to find another way to approach human differences and quantify race in Burma. The nine ‘race’ categories used by the British census-takers were:

1. Burmese; 2. Other indigenous race; 3. Chinese;

4. Indians born in Burma; 5. Indians born outside Burma; 6. Indo-Burman race;

7. Europeans and allied races; 8. Anglo-Indians; 9. Other race.

According to C.C. Lowis[4] (1902), the Burman is ‘so absolutely enamoured of freedom that he cannot abide the bonds that caste demands’ (Lowis 1902:107). Without the category of caste, and where religion ‘indicates but little’, colonial surveyors concluded that language would therefore be the most ‘obvious and surest criterion of difference’ (Lowis 1902:112): If the speech of a particular community cannot be assigned to a particular group, that community is, ipso facto, isolated, whatever similarity its customs, dress and physical traits may have with the customs, dress and physical traits of any other community, neighbouring or otherwise.

Caste thennic groups, ethnicity, denomination, sect and such other classification based on race, racism and racialism, religion, theology, philosophy etc., exist in Thailand……..

Sectarian, sectarianism, sectarian faith etc: The words and sect, expressions sectarian, sectarianism, sectarian faith etc., have not been positive, but negative and bad in connotation in the western or western religious context. Throughout American history, “sectarian” has been used to exclude and to ostracize. It is a term that is used to disparage and marginalize particular groups of Americans and particular kinds of thinking. That “sectarian” is hardly a flattering term is evident from even a cursory look at any standard dictionary. Among its more common synonyms are “bigoted,” “narrow-minded,” “heretical,” “parochial,” and “dogmatic.” Christians have used the word to describe Pharisees, atheists, and other Christians; Unitarians to put down Presbyterians and Roman Catholics; political liberals and conservatives to insult each other[5]. Richard A. Baer, Jr explains that[6], “The reason is really quite simple. Even though the term “sect” can have the relatively neutral meaning of “a group of persons having the same principles, beliefs, or opinions or can be employed technically in a non-pejorative sense by sociologists of religion, the ordinary usage of “sectarian” is derogatory. Indeed, “sectarian” more often than not is what we might call “caste language.” It is a term that has been used throughout much of American history to keep religious and social “untouchables” in their proper place. Just as ruling elites have used racial and sexual epithets to put down blacks and women, so they have used “sectarian” to exclude and marginalize those individuals and groups whose religious or philosophical beliefs or social practices did not correspond to their own vision of what was appropriate in the cultural marketplace”.

The theme of the seminar changed from “Buddhism and Sectarian Religious faith in India,” to   “Buddha and Anti-caste Bhakti Saints”: Though, the topic was “Buddhism and Sectarian Religious faith in India,” (as appeared in the brochure first) most of the paper presenters were trying to interpret the present ideology on the medieval period and even the prehistoric and protohistoric past. It also appears that the theme was changed to “Buddha and Anti-caste Bhakti Saints” suddenly, as noted later on the banner, “Abstract,” scribbling pad etc. Actually, I prepared my paper only based on the such theme and sent my full paper on 31-01-2023 itself. The theme, “Buddhism and Sectarian Religious faith in India,” has been entirely different from that of,   “Buddha and Anti-caste Bhakti Saints.” It is a fact that during the transitional period 7th century to the medieval period till the advent of the Mohammedans and the European colonial forces, all the sectarian faiths had to suffer by them. The ruling and dominant faiths Janism and Buddhism had to suffer from their attacks, in spite of their oversea and inland business and commercial authority. When religious dominance and excesses started, these two could not match up with them (Islam and Christianity). Moreover, the interaction among the believers of Andhra, Karnataka and Tamilagam showed the intra and inter-faith and religious debates, polemics and wrangles, leading to physical sometimes. Obviously, the organizers must have realized from my paper and changed the theme. Therefore, it is evident that they changed the theme itself, perhaps, without informing.

Under the Ambedkarite Constitution, Caste should continue or not: Eleanor Zelliot (1992), Uma Chakravarthi (1996), Gail Omvedt (2003) and others cleverly avoided the continuance of caste in spite of opposing caste, supporting reservation, though opposing positive discrimination, exclusion etc., Thus, the ideological egalitarianism, theoretical Utopianism and sermonized equality always try to and evade the legal, constitutional and judicial position and condition of the prevalent issues. The restricted reservation for SCs has been continuing. The reservation after conversion for the neo-Buddhists, and Sikhs continues, as they are “Hindus” only as per Article 25 of the Constitution. Thus, the Christians and much later the Muslims too started demanding the amendment of the Constitution Order, 1950 to accommodate the converted Christians and Muslims also. Though, these ideologists claim that “The Ambedkar Constitution,” they want to amend it, without realizing the judicial implications.

What is required by the believers in a “Secular state or country”?: Dialogue is required for understanding other and the point of view of others, whether, in a family, society or anywhere, where human interaction takes place. Thus, it is imperative and implied that such a process is possible with all family and societal members. Discussion, debate and deliberation always involve mutual, reciprocated and two-way flow of thought, thought processes and conclusion. Monologue is considered as a speech presented by a single dramatist character, theoretical expert or ideologized professional most often to express their thoughts aloud, though sometimes also to directly address another character or the audience. In theatre, a monologue may be enjoyed when delivered by favourite character or person, as none is going to ask him.   Monologues are common across the range of dramatic media (plays, films, etc.), as well as in non-dramatic media such as poetry, literary narratives, political discourses and other verbose. Monologues share much in common with several other literary devices including soliloquies, apostrophes, and asides. There are, however, distinctions between each of these devices, audience and ideologists. Many times such monologues, particularly thrusted, imposed and forced to listen lead to autocratic, dominating and dictatorial. Free speech is talked about and sermonized blaming others as despotic, tyrannical, repressive, oppressive and so on, but, how such whistle-blowers indulge.

In dialogue, the engaged parties should listen to and understand the other party / parties also: There is a maxim Audi Alteram Partem and it is not known whether monologuers could understand and realize it. It means hear the other side; hear both sides, in other words the authority hearing the matter must be afforded hearing to the party who is likely to be affected by its decision. In judicial, quasi-judicial or any sensible legal process, it is expected. Therefore, those who talk about thesis, anti-thesis and synthesis should not avoid or be afraid of Audi Alteram Partem. Here, most of the speakers have predetermined mind-set and they spoke even any prepared paper about certain premises and conditions only in their perspective, that too blaming Brahmin, Brahman, Brahminism, Brahminical system, and even Brahminical virus and so on. Inside, “Acharya Nagarjuna University,” though such seminar was taking place under the auspices of “The Mahayana Buddhist Study Centre,” the sectarian bias had been explicit and aggressive and combating.

Justice, natural justice, social justice, equity, equality etc: Though, often Justice, natural justice, social justice, equity, equality etc, are talked about, they are not obviously discussed judicially. There are mainly two Principles of Natural Justice. These two Principles are:

• ‘Nemo judex in causa sua’. No one should be made a judge in his own cause, and the rule against bias.
• ‘Audi alteram partem’ means to hear the other party, or no one should be condemned unheard.

The historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, archaeo-anthropologists, Anthropo-archaeologists, sociologists, psychologists and related experts do not deal with these important conditions to pass any remarks or come to conclusions. Going to extremes, violating the norms that are framed the ideologists by themselves, and jumping to conclusions with biased views have been the hall-mark of many such studies.

How the audience was responding to the Buddhist prayer……..

How the audience was responding to the Buddhist prayer…………………..

How I struggled to reach and left Vijayawada Railway Station: How I reached Vijayawada Railway station was explained above on Fenbruary 28^th midnight and March 1^st early morning. On 2^nd March also, I had a different experience to reach the Vijayawada station. The seminar paper presentation was going on, as I had to catch the train, I came out of the hall searching for the driver. He was there, and we had lunch quickly and about to leave, but, I was informed that some other driver and vehicle would come. So I was waiting…….and the time was 2.00 pm. I asked the convener many times and I was informed “the vehicle would come.”  It was 2.30 PM and then, realizing the situation, I was taken by a car. Of course, the driver and car were there only[7]. Anyway, the driver could drop me at the end of the platform, so that I could walk to the platform[8]. Slowly, I started walking with the bag to the Platform No.10 where, the JanSatabdi was to come. When I reached PF.No.10, the passenger started running back, shouting at me, that it was here at PF.No.8. Some stranger helped me taking my bag and I started walking slowly. It took me perhaps 10 to 15 minutes and the train was about to start. I was waving my hand towards the train, as if I was doing it for a bus to stop. But, the driver was looking at me and showed his finger “1,” obviously, he might wait for one minute. Meanwhile that stranger handed over my bag to another stranger and went away. When I came near to the train, he (the second stranger) suggested me to gt into the first carriage and pushed my luggage inside. The moment I entered the train and started requesting to the TTR, one youth asked me to sit in one seat, as he was not travelling and got down……….The train started…..So finally, I settled down there in the same compartment, instead of my regular / confirmed seat away from the first compartment[9]. At last I could reach Chennai with 20 minutes delay. My regular Auto driver came and I could reach home by 11.40 PM.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

05-03-2023

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[1] Ferguson, Jane M. “Who’s Counting?: Ethnicity, Belonging, and the National Census in Burma/Myanmar.” Bijdragen tot de taal-, land-en volkenkunde/Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences of Southeast Asia 171.1 (2015): 1-28.

[2] Kumar, M. Satish (2006). ‘The census and women’s work in Rangoon, 1872–1931’, Journal of Historical Geography 32:377–97.

[3] Webb, C. Morgan (1912). Census of India, 1911. Vol. ix, Burma Part i. Report. Rangoon: Office of Superintendent, Government Printing and Stationery.

[4] Lowis, C.C. (1902). Census of India, 1901. Volume xii, Burma. Part i. Report. Rangoon: Office of Superintendent, Government Printing and Stationery

[5] Richard A. Baer, Jr. The Supreme Court’s Discriminatory Use of the Term “Sectarian”, Originally published in The Journal of Law & Politics, Vol. VI, No. 3, Spring 1990.

[6] https://blogs.cornell.edu/envirobaer/publications/the-supreme-courts-discriminatory-use-of-the-term-sectarian/

[7]  In other words, instead of keeping me waiting there for nearly one-and-half hours, I could have been sent earlier with the same driver and car. Why I was kept delayed was known to God only.

[8]  Actually, the driver helped me in reaching the station in time and also dropping at the right place. Of course, when we reached the Guest House to take the luggage, the other person / Assistant Professor was making unwanted comments that I would miss the train and so on. Though, he had also to come with me, he was delaying, so the driver took the decision to proceed, as the time was already 2.30 PM. Why the learned Asst.Prof was delaying was also known only to God.

[9] I can write a story about this, as how many strangers helped me to get into a train, sit comfortably in a seat and reach my home at one side, whereas, at the other side – all learned professors etc., but made me tensed fully knowing my health problems. Of course, I informed my travel plan, my health problem etc through e-mails and letter also (with many phone calls in between).

Reminiscences about Nonagenarians, strange meetings and varied personalities!

Reminiscences about Nonagenarians, strange meetings and varied personalities!

My early days’ contacts with DMK (1967-1969): Sri Bhagavatham Venkatappaiah[1] had been our family friends living at the end of our Venkatachala Iyer Street, West Mambalam, Madras – 600 033 since the early 1950s. The house was tiled one of 1940 period and he was living there with parents and brothers. Incidentally, my uncle Nandagiri Narayana Rao[2] [we called him as Narayana mama] and family came there as tenants and I used to be there at every evening in 1960s. As they had transistor [Murphy], I used to go there to listen to news and songs. As Narayana Rao was a DMK supporter, he used to tell about the party and leaders. I used to decorate our old house with Black and red, DMK flags and as I was just eight years old. In 1967, when C. N. Annadurai and Karunanidhi came in a jeep at the end of our street on the Lake View Road for election campaign, the DMK men lifted me and out in the jeep, informing, “This papparap paiyan nalla kathuvan,” [This Brahmin boy would shout well] and I started shouting, “Anna vazhga, Karunanidhi vazhga, Udhaya Suriyane parthu poduugamma vottu!” [Hail Anna, hail Karunanidhi, vote for the Raising Sun symbol] and so on, as instructed by them! The DMK came to power in 1967. When Anna died on Feb.3, 1969, he [Narayana mama] took me to Marina in the procession. While returning, I remember what happened to the Kamadenu Hotel situated on the Gopaty Narayana Chetty Street near Sun theatre[3]. We could not get anything to eat and we had to return with empty stomachs. So when we were children, naturally, we would be influenced by the hereditary and environmental factors.

Studying in Tamil medium (1964-1966): As I was admitted in Tamil medium in the nearby Devi School in 1964, I started taking interest in Tamil. One day, “Old bookseller,” Rajagopal became friend in the sense, he used to sell “Ambulimama” to me. My another uncle Sri Madhwapati Srinivasa Rao[4] made me to take interest in reading newspapers and books. Rajagopal was a DMK man and he also used to tell about DMK and its leader. He was called as “thalaivar,” and “Vattac ceyalalar,” by his friends. Rajagopal was having his old book shop on the platform near Murugan Stores on the Station Road.

Leather scientist B. Venkatappaiah, a friend of K. Ramaiah: B. Venkatappaiah[5] was a scientist in CLRI and was a college mate of K. Anbazhagan. Venkatappaiah used to tell, his name was Ramaiah and a Telugu man and they used to talk with each other in Telugu in Pachaiappa’s College. Ramaiah did Intermediate with Physics, Chemistry and Economics (1938-39) and then, B.A in Tamil from 1939 to 1942. He came to Pachaiappa’s College and completed M.A. Tamil during the period 1942-44. He used to point out that Ramaiah was working as lecturer and not professor, as he was portrayed. Ramaiah worked in Pachaiappa’s College as a lecturer between the 1944 and 1957 period. I was asking Mrs Venkatappaiah a photo of B. Venkatappaiah, and incidentally, she gave on 05-03-2020. I wanted to prepare a write-up on him, but, I could not do that. But, today, the news of Sri K. Anbazhagan comes.

My personal meetings of Sri K. Anbazhagan: Of course, I too met him three times. First time at the BHEL Guest House, Ranipet [I was there June 1994 to July 1995]. As one night, I had to sit late night to attend to work, I could not get a bus to return to Madras and hence I had to stay at the BHEL Guest House. Evening, when I come out of my room, surprisingly, I saw him standing in the corridor. Initially, I was hesitant to meet him, as he was a Minister. Then, I slowly approached him and said, “Vanakkam, Iyya,” he turned back and told, “Vanakkam.” Then, I introduced myself and also about B. Venkatappaiah, his College-mate.  He could recognize and enquired about him. Then, he was telling about college days at Pachaiyappa’s. I also informed that I did my B.Sc Physics there. I asked him as to whether he could speak Telugu then, he responded no, as they lost touch. As the dinner was ready, and we were asked to come down, my conversation with him ended. Then, I met him at the Swaminatha Iyer Library functions twice. He was praising Iyer for his great work done in collecting palm-leaf manuscripts and got them published in the book form. He talked in a very balanced way.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

07-03-2020

[1]  He had two brothers Sri  B.Shayamsundar and B. Aravindan, whose sons and daughters have been well settled.

[2]  They have D. Srinivasa Rao, Krishnamuthy Rao, Ranga Rao, Ramachandra Rao and Narayana Rao (as mentioned above)  and three sisters Padmavathi Amma, Savithri Amma and Sitaram.

[3] Now both are not there. Sun  theatre has been converted into Sun plaza, commercial complex building.

[4]  He had been the son of M. Subba Rao, grandson of Nayapati Subba Rao, the Congress leader and freedom fighter. Thus, I am the grandson of M. Subba Rao and thus great-great-grandson of Nyapathi Subba Rao. Anyway, nowadays, none bothers about all these details, people are recognized by their status of power and money.

[5] He was next to Dr Nayudamma (1922-1985), the scientist in those days. Perhaps, no other scientist has been as popular and respected as Dr Yelavarthy Nayudamma both in India and abroad where leather is a major industry.  https://www.clri.org/Admin/Leaders/dnayudamma.html

Proceedings of the symposium on ‘Art and Culture of Tamil Nadu Reflected Through Excavations’ – held Meenakshi college, on august 29th and 30th 2019 [4]

Proceedings of the symposium on ‘Art and Culture of Tamil Nadu Reflected Through Excavations’ – held Meenakshi college,  on august 29^th and 30^th 2019 [4]

Dr K. Amarnath Ramakrishna, Superintendent archaeologist, ASI, Guwahati, Assam: He was the last speaker and he explained abut the Kizhadi excavations. It was Dr. K.V. Raman, then at Southern Circle, Archaeological Survey of India in late 1950’s undertook systematic village to village survey in Madurai, Tirumangalam, Melur and Periyakulam taluks and reported number of archaeological sites and remains[1]. After a long gap in 2006 Dr. K. Rajan and his team reported good number of sites along the Vaigai valley particularly in its upper reaches subsequent to the discovery of inscribed hero stones datable to early centuries of Christian era at Thathappatti in Dindigul district and Pulimankombai in Teni district[2].

K. Aarnath Ramakrishna recalled how this old man had kept the ceramic vessel / pot safely and given to ASI

Previous Excavations: No concerted attempts were made to study the archaeological remains of the region, barring some sporadic diggings made during the pre‐independence era by Alexander Rea at the urn burial sites of Paravai and Anuppanadi ( Rea 1888: 48 ‐ 71) at Madurai suburb. Later Archaeological Survey of India made the first initiative to understand the archaeological potentiality of this region through systematic excavation at T. Kallupatti in the year 1976 (IAR 1976 ‐77: 46 ‐ 47). The limited work tackled at both urn burial site and its associated habitational mound evinced some important findings such as the occurrence of white painted black and red ware, the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu in proper stratigraphical context. There are also other limited works contributed by the State Archaeology Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu at Kovalanpottal in 1980 (Sridhar 2004: 29 ‐ 35), Alagankulam in 1986, 2017 and Mangulam in 2006 (Gurumurthi 2008). Among them the site of Alagankulam located at the ending point of river Vaigai with Bay of Bengal has yielded remarkable evidences of early historic period and identified as a port city of early Pandyas (Sridhar 2005). Besides the above, the early historic phase of Tamil Nadu have also been addressed to certain extent through excavations carried out in the sites of Alagarai, Tirukkampuliyur, Uraiyur located along Kaveri river and Kodumanal along Noyyal river. Among them, the more recent excavations at Kodumanal has generated argument among the academic world for the beginning of early historic period of Tamil Nadu pushed to c. 4th – 5th cent. BCE (Rajan 2015)

Site of Keeladi /kizhai: The site of Keeladi2 (09° 51ʹ 40ʺ N, E 078° 11ʹ 70ʺ E) is located about 12 kilometers southeast of Madurai on the ancient highway (modern NH 49) leading to Ramesvaram via Tiruppuvanam. The village is strategically located on the south bank of river Vaigai and is surrounded by the village of Kondagai and Manalur (Figure 2) figuring in inscriptions. The present village of Keeladi and Pallichandai are of recent origin but altogether both of them formed part and parcel of ancient settlement of Kuntidevi Chaturvetimangalam i.e. the present Kondagai.The recent excavations at Keeladi have yielded interesting findings pertaining to the early historic period in southern Tamil Nadu. This article gives a comprehensive account of the prominent results obtained from two season excavations. The occurrence of elaborate brick structures, channels, paved brick floors associated with grooved roof tiles, terracotta ring wells in association with roulette ware and inscribed Tamil – Brahmi pot sherds is a rare phenomenon in the early historic phase of Tamil Nadu. The absolute dating (AMS) of the site to some extent coincides with the general perception of the so‐called Sangam period.

Historical Background: The environs of Keeladi has a continuous historical past starting from the early Pandya period (c. 8th – 9th cent CE) upto c. 16th cent CE coinciding with the Nayak rule in this area. Apart from the mound, the historicity of Keeladi is known only through inscriptions found in the Siva temple at the village. Its basement contain Tamil inscriptions ascribable to later Pandya period of c. 12th – 13th cent AD. The inscriptions (SII XXII no. 447, 448, 449) dated in the 23rd, 31st regnal year of Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya refers to the sale of land to an individual from Malai mandalam (i.e. Chera region) by the village assembly (mahasabha). It refers that the village (encompassing Keeladi and Kondagai villages) was then known as ‘Kuntidevi Chaturvetimangalam’, a brahmadeya of Mudivazhangu pandya Isvaramudaiya Nayanar temple located in the territorial unit of ‘Velur kulakkizh’ i.e. the village located within the water spread of Velur tank fed by Vaigai river. The name Keeladi could have derived for its location lying to the east of ‘Kuntidevi Chaturvetimangalam’. The present name of Kondagai is the corrupt form of its original name.

Conclusion: The two seasons of excavation work (2014 – 15 and 2015 – 16) conducted at Keeladi has revealed many interesting and rare aspects pertaining to the early historic phase of Tamil Nadu. The cultural remains altogether suggest it was purely a unicultural site. The preponderance of large scale structural activities with its associated findings such as rouletted ware, inscribed pot sherds etc portray the site as a very important settlement in this region. Its strategic location near the ancient city of Madurai gains importance as it links the other important early historic port site of Alagankulam located near the mouth of Vaigai river at Bay of Bengal. The occurrence of prakrit names in sherds suggest in external trade contacts with Sri Lanka. Further the occurrence of other materials like carnelian, agate beads, ivory items, copper objects, russet coated pottery etc certainly indicate its internal trade contacts maintained with different parts of the country. The structural remains found at Keeladi are considered to be important in the sense of its rarity in the early historic period of Tamil Nadu. Barring Arikamedu, Kaveripattinam and isolated remains found at Korkai, Tirukampuliyur, Karur, Kanchipuram no other site in Tamil Nadu has yielded such type of structures till date.

If excavations not continued, all evidences would disappear: These structures possibly forming part of elaborate structural complex have only been partially exposed. Hence the functional aspect of these remains shall remain highly tentative. However based on their dimensions and associated features like channels, furnace we may infer it form part and parcel of an industrial complex and not related to residential area. This has to be corroborated only after detailed chemical analysis of the soil obtained from the structures and channels. Further spadework is essentially required to understand the settlement pattern and also to understand the orientation, plan and purpose of the structural remains. Likewise the burial complex also needs to be tapped to understand the burial pattern of the people and its relationship with the habitation complex. The ongoing extended investigations shall likely to reveal not only the cultural developments took place at the site but also the factors led to the formation of early historic phase in Vaigai river valley and Tamil Nadu on the whole. He warned that if the excavation is not completed, the urbanization, expansion of agricultural and industrial activities would make the evidences disappear.

Amarnath Ramakrishna presenting his paper.audience

K. Amarnath Ramakrishna presenting his paper.audience, another view

K. Amarnath Ramakrishna presenting his paper.audience, another view, eagerly looking students

Amarnath presenting his paper.audience, KVR tried for a selfie

K. Amarnath Ramakrishna presenting his paper.audience, another view, eagerly looking students

Amarnath presenting his paper.audience, KVR tried for a selfie

30-08-2019 – Valedictory function: Students should focus on their goal with single-minded determination, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam. “Identify your uniqueness and do not compare yourselves to your peers,” he told students of the Meenakshi College for Women[3]. At the valedictory function of the Symposium on Arts and Culture of Tamil Nadu, reflected through excavations, Panneerselvam said, “If you want to succeed then you have to work hard. Focus on learning.” Badminton champion P.V. Sindhu, shooting champion Ilavenil and para-badminton champion Manasi Joshi, had all achieved success because of the focused training and hard work. Panneerselvam said the symposium would also enable students interested in archaeology to pursue their interest[4]. He distributed the certificates to participants of the symposium. College secretary K.S. Lakshmi said the History Department offered research programmes. Retired Deputy Superintendent Archaeologist S. Vasanthi said senior archaeologists from across the country and epigraphists had presented papers and also showcased the lives of people in the State from earlier centuries.

Thus the symposium went on: None was there on the stage to monitor the invitees who presented their papers. Though, the introduction of the paper presenter / speaker was done at length, nothing was mentioned about his / her presentation, topic / title of the paper, time allotted tom, who would be chairing the technical session and so on. They were reading or speaking at length according to their own convenience. Thus, some speakers were speaking for more than one hour and two hours. Definitely, that much of time was not necessary for experts like them. They could have brought out the important aspects, instead of why they reached the place and so on. When time was running out, they stopped audience from asking questions and at last forced Amarnath to cut short his presentation. I find most of the speakers, paper presenters and readers have repeated what they have already published, presented in the earlier seminars / conferences and nothing new. If any student makes a google search, they get their published papers, where, they can find that what they spoke here, were there already with the same data and pictures. Of course, Ravi Korisettar told that his speech / presentation was meant for the students and not for me. But, when the theme was about “Art and culture of Tamilnadu reflected through excavations,” they should have explained that aspect, i.e, how the excavations carried on outside Tamilnadu have bearing on the theme. In fact, most of the students were not history students, but of other disciplines. When I interacted with them, I came to know the fact. In fact, no student interacted with any speaker, asked question or clarified her doubt about anything. When all other subjects have been getting updated, in history related subjects, such updating methodology is not followed.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

01-09-2019

[1] Raman, K.V. Distribution Pattern of Cultural Traits in the Pre and Proto historic times in Madurai Region, Araichi (1), 1970, pp. 499 – 509.

[2] Rajan, K. and Yatheeskumar, V.P. Thathappatti: Tamil – Brahmi Inscribed Hero Stone, Man and Environment 33 (1), 2007, pp. 39 – 45.

[3] The Hindu, Focus on your goal to achieve success: OPS, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, CHENNAI, AUGUST 31, 2019 01:11 IST; UPDATED: AUGUST 31, 2019 01:11 IST.

[4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/focus-on-your-goal-to-achieve-success-ops-meenakshi-college-for-women-deputy-chief-minister-o-panneerselvam/article29303986.ece