Archaeological Perspectives on Sangam Literature (Kizhadi Excavation Evidence)

The Sangam literature continues to be regarded as a significant repository of knowledge through the ages. These literary works serve as primary resources for understanding the life of ancient Tamils and the history of Tamil Nadu. As various ideas gain importance over time, the study of Sangam literature has progressed accordingly. A recent archaeological study conducted at Keeladi has created a strong environment for examining Sangam literature from an archaeological perspective. Based on this, the study proposes to explore Sangam literature in the context of archaeological findings at Keeladi. Both the Sangam literature and the excavation evidence from Keeladi have been utilized as foundational materials for this research. This research establishes that the life practices of the ancient Tamils, as articulated in Sangam literature, are not merely imaginary, and that the excavated evidence from Keeladi serves as a living testament to this. Various archaeological evidences validating the urban civilization described in Sangam literature have been found in Keeladi. These are also seen as subjecting the previously mentioned theories to re-evaluation. The presence of pottery shards from the 6th century BCE found in Keeladi confirms the literacy era of the Tamils. Artifacts related to weaving serve as examples of the flourishing urban civilization in Tamil Nadu. It is essential that more robust studies highlighting Sangam literature be undertaken in this regard.