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CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Recent investigations into the Keeladi archaeological site in Tamil Nadu have reignited scholarly and public interest in the region’s ancient cultural heritage. A team of researchers from Liverpool John Moores University has successfully reconstructed the facial features of individuals who lived approximately 2,500 years ago, offering a humanised view into the past. In response, the Tamil Nadu government has urged the Union government to release findings from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) related to the site, underlining the historical importance of Keeladi in the broader narrative of Tamil civilization.
Historical Significance Of Keeladi
Situated around 12 kilometres southeast of Madurai, Keeladi has emerged as a key site for understanding the Sangam-era civilization that flourished in southern India. Excavations suggest that an urban settlement existed as early as the 6th century BCE. The site is significant for its evidence of literacy, trade, and planned infrastructure traits often associated with highly developed societies. The findings are critical in tracing the roots of Tamil culture and its evolution over millennia.
3D Facial Reconstruction Technology
The facial reconstructions were created using advanced computer-assisted three-dimensional modelling. Researchers applied anatomical science, forensic guidelines, and digital sculpting tools to recreate the muscle, skin, and other facial features of individuals based on skeletal remains. These reconstructions offer a visual interpretation of what people from ancient Tamil societies might have looked like, blending scientific analysis with artistic methodology.
Genetic Insights And Cultural Diversity
One of the most remarkable outcomes of the study is the insight into the genetic background of the Keeladi population. The data reveals a blend of South Indian, West Eurasian, and Austro-Asiatic ancestry, highlighting the region’s connection to wider migratory and genetic exchanges in ancient times. This supports theories that Tamil society was not isolated but participated in broader networks of interaction and movement.
Future Research And International Collaboration
To further unravel the genetic lineage of ancient Tamil populations, upcoming studies will involve DNA analysis of skeletal remains from Kondagai, a burial site near Keeladi. In collaboration with institutions like Harvard University, these studies aim to examine DNA samples from burial urns, potentially revealing ancient migratory routes and deepening understanding of population dynamics in prehistoric South India.
Debates Over Timeline And Interpretation
Keeladi has also become a point of contention between the Tamil Nadu state government and the Archaeological Survey of India. State archaeologists have obtained radiocarbon dates that suggest the site may be older than what has been officially acknowledged by the ASI. This has led to calls for greater transparency and release of comprehensive reports to allow the academic community to analyse and debate the findings openly.
Anthropological Studies Of Human Remains
In addition to artefacts and urban remnants, anthropological analysis of skeletal remains from Kondagai has provided demographic insights. Most individuals appear to have lived into their 50s, and skeletal morphology has helped estimate age, gender, and average height. These findings contribute valuable information about the health, lifestyle, and physical attributes of ancient Tamil populations.
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