Archaeological dept might join ASI in Keezhadi excavation

Keezhadi is one of the archaeological sites present near River Vaigai and ever since the excavation commenced there it evoked lot of interest in Tamil Nadu. As there was progress there were various speculations around the excavation. 

Three phases of excavation had been carried out and the third phase got completed only on Saturday. So far more than 7,500 artefacts were unearthed at Keezhadi. In the third phase around 1,800 artefacts were unearthed and most of them were beads. 

However, the Tamil groups and activists had alleged that the Central government is trying to close down the site and is not interested in continuing the excavations. Even a case is pending in the High Court regarding Keezhadi and judges had opined that the Central government should continue the excavation at Keezhadi. 

In the meantime, the state archaeological department had decided to join the ASI in collaborative excavation at Keezhadi. An official attached to state archaeological department, on condition of anonymity, said that there were several criticisms surrounding Keezhadi. 

Many politicians and activists had raised the question about why the state archaeological department is silent on Keezhadi and why the department is not willing to bring out the history of Tamil people. To silence the criticisms surrounding Keezhadi and their department, they had decided to join the ASI in Keezhadi excavation. 

The official further said that they had filed an application with Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA) and if they permit, a joint excavation can be done. The area of Keezhadi is spread over 110 acres and if joint excavation is done, 50 % of the area can be covered in another 10 years, said the official.

The official said that researchers should make careful interpretations before a complete picture emerged. There are more chances that people will be questioning their efforts but they need to carry on undeterred, said the official.