Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Archaeologist Renews Call to Release Keeladi Excavation Report
Amarnath Ramakrishna is an archaeologist who worked on the Keeladi excavations.
He said he has already submitted his report to the government.
He wants the government to publish it so people and experts can discuss it.
He said reports are based on evidence and should not be changed.
Ramakrishna believes the findings show that civilisation began in Tamil Nadu.
He also said Tamils discovered iron, though these are his views about the evidence.
DNA research on the excavations is being conducted at Madurai Kamaraj University.
He wants more digging in the Cauvery delta to learn about the Cholas.
Archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna renewed his call for the government to release the Keeladi excavation report.
Ramakrishna said he had submitted the report and that its release would enable public debate and expert opinion.
He said evidence indicates that civilisation began in Tamil Nadu and that a second phase of urban civilisation developed there.
Ramakrishna attributed the discovery of iron to Tamils and said the claim was gaining international attention.
He called for further excavations in the Cauvery delta to investigate the history of the Cholas.
- Who
- Archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, a former Keeladi excavator.
- What
- He called on the government to release his Keeladi excavation report.
- When
- On Saturday, according to the report.
- Where
- In Thanjavur, on the sidelines of the Makkal Isai Vizha.
- Why
- He said publication would allow public debate, expert opinion and further research.
- Report requested
- Release of the Keeladi excavation report submitted by Amarnath Ramakrishna.
- Speaker
- Amarnath Ramakrishna, archaeologist, director of archaeology in Greater Noida and former Keeladi excavator.
- Stated significance
- Ramakrishna said evidence indicates civilisation began in Tamil Nadu and that a second phase of urban civilisation developed there.
- Iron discovery claim
- Ramakrishna said iron was discovered by Tamils.
- Ongoing research
- DNA research on Keeladi excavations is being conducted at Madurai Kamaraj University.
- Further excavation requested
- Ramakrishna called for excavations in the Cauvery delta to investigate the Cholas.
- Event context
- He spoke to media representatives during Makkal Isai Vizha, organised by Makkal Kalai Ilakkiya Kazhagam.