Karivalamvandanallur Excavations Reveal Continuous Human Occupation from the Microlithic to the Sangam Age

Karivalamvandanallur Excavations Reveal Continuous Human Occupation from the Microlithic to the Sangam Age

Archaeological excavations at Karivalamvandanallur (Malayadipatti), situated on the banks of the Vaippar River in Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu, have uncovered evidence of a human settlement that appears to have existed continuously from the Microlithic Age to the Sangam Age. The findings provide valuable insights into the cultural evolution of southern Tamil Nadu over several millennia.

Key Findings

Karivalamvandanallur Excavation

¨     Continuous Human Habitation: The evidence indicates continuous human habitation spanning from the Microlithic period through the Iron Age and Early Historic period to the Historic period; however, the Neolithic and Chalcolithic phases were absent. This cultural sequence mirrors findings from Mangudi, Sivagalai, and Adichanallur, whereas a distinct Microlithic–Neolithic–Iron Age sequence is observed in northern Tamil Nadu.

¨     Organized Industrial Settlement: Evidence suggests that the site was not merely a residential settlement but also an organized industrial hub. Archaeologists recovered hematite (for iron extraction), iron implements, glass beads, terracotta figurines, graffiti-marked pottery, hopscotch game pieces, and Black-and-Red ware alongside other Early Historic pottery types. Other finds include shell bangles, terracotta spindle whorls, terracotta discs, coral beads, a gold bead, rectangular game pieces, and copper coins. Structural evidence indicates the presence of workshops dedicated to iron tool manufacturing, bead making, shell bangle production, and weaving during the Sangam period.

¨     Large Brick Structure: One of the most significant discoveries of the excavation is a massive brick structure measuring approximately 8.7 meters by 4.2 meters, constructed using bricks that measure 40 × 20 × 7 centimeters. •        The structure features descending steps, and it is believed to have served as an underground granary or a rainwater harvesting tank. Its design suggests that the settlement possessed an advanced water management system, despite its proximity to the Vaipar River. The size of the bricks resembles those found at Keeladi, Alagankulam, and Poompuhar, indicating that the structure belongs to the Early Historic or Sangam period. Soil analysis and carbon dating are currently being conducted to determine the structure's purpose and chronology.

¨Evidence of burial: Archaeologists discovered a red-slipped burial urn adorned with depictions of peacocks. The presence of molar and premolar teeth outside the urn, along with a Black-and-Red Ware pot placed beneath it, suggests it was used as an ossuary (burial urn). Graffiti marks were also observed on the vessel.

¨     Similar peacock-adorned burial urns have previously been found at Porunthal and at sites associated with the Harappan Civilization's Cemetery H culture—including Harappa, Hulas, and Bhirrana—indicating their ritual significance. Akananuru, a Sangam-era text, mentions the decoration of memorial stones with peacock feathers, providing literary corroboration for this archaeological evidence.

Significance of the discoveries

¨     Historically significant site: The site's importance first came to light following reports of Roman coins being found in the area. Subsequently, L.A. Cammiade surveyed the site, while the 1932–33 annual report of the Madras Museum noted the discovery of glass beads and burial urns from the location.

¨     Evidence of a specialized production center: The evidence indicates that this settlement functioned as a specialized production center, hosting activities such as iron production, bead making, shell bangle manufacturing, and weaving.

¨     A hub for habitation, production, and trade: Situated on an ancient east-west trade route, the settlement appears to be a combined hub for habitation, production, and trade, suggesting its integration into an extensive trade network.

¨     A bridge between archaeology and Sangam literature: Peacock-adorned burial urns and references found in the *Akananuru* further strengthen the link between archaeological evidence and Sangam literature.

¨     Distinct cultural sequence: Excavations indicate the development of a cultural sequence in southern Tamil Nadu—comprising the Microlithic Age, Iron Age, and Early Historic Period—that differs from the Microlithic-Neolithic-Iron Age sequence observed in northern Tamil Nadu.

¨     Strengthening Tamil Nadu's archaeological record: Together with sites like Keeladi, Sivagalai, Mangudi, and Adichanallur, these findings reinforce Tamil Nadu's archaeological record and suggest a continuous evolution of Karivalamvandanallur from the Stone Age through the Sangam period.