Perumbalai
Perumbalai is situated on the banks of Nagavathi River.
Historical significance and archaeological finds
Perumbalai has gained local and national attention recently due to discovery of hundreds of artifacts dating back to the 6th century BCE. The artifacts unearthed include terracotta figurines, sherds with geometric symbols and potteries with well-levigated clay. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, released a report of the diggings and finds by S. Paranthaman and R. Venkata Guru Prasanna in June 2024. It was titled "Excavations at Perumbalai, 2022."
Perumbalai area was on the radar of archeologists earlier also, in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hero stones dating back to the 13th century have also been discovered in Perumbalai.
Excavations are ongoing and may find important clues to ancient Tamil civilization. However, experts have warned that these endeavours have taken on a political turn and may lead to culture wars.
References
- ^ Madras District Gazetteers: Tamil Nadu district. Superintendent, Government Press. 1995.
- ^ Muruganandham, T. (2024-07-03). "Artefacts in TN's Perumbalai excavation site reveal an Iron Age story". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ Sivapriyan,DHNS, E. T. B. "It's raining artefacts as curtains set to draw on excavations in Tamil Nadu". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ Jesudasan, Dennis S. (2024-06-23). "Sherds with geometric symbols, potteries with well-levigated clay excavated in Perumbalai". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ "CM inaugurates excavations in eight sites, including 10th phase in Keeladi, and four new sites". The Times of India. 2024-06-18. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ India, Archæological Survey of (1882). New Imperial Series. Manager of Publications.
- ^ Rajan, Karai (1997). Archaeological Gazetteer of Tamil Nadu. Manoo Pathippakam.
- ^ Reporter, Staff (2022-01-16). "Two hero stones with inscriptions discovered at Perumbalai in Dharmapuri". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ "Stalin launches archaeological excavations in eight locations across Tamil Nadu". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ Ashok, Sowmiya (2022-06-22). "Stalin's archaeology push in Tamil Nadu is the stuff of culture wars. Experts have a warning". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-08-09.