Floods Buried Keezhadi Settlement Around a Millennium Ago

Description

Add as a preferred source on Google

Archaeological excavations at Keezhadi, situated along the Vaigai River in southern Tamil Nadu, have uncovered brick structures, canals, floors, and pottery that reflect the urban life described in Sangam literature. A recent scientific study has now provided an important environmental timeline, indicating that large floods buried parts of the settlement just over a thousand years ago.

The Importance of Dating the Sediments

Keezhadi, located in Sivaganga district, sits on a mound within the Vaigai floodplain. The ancient structures are hidden beneath layers of sand, silt, and clay. While artefacts point to organized habitation, understanding when the settlement was damaged or abandoned requires dating the sediments that covered it. Establishing this timeline allows researchers to distinguish between the period of human occupation and later natural events.

Measuring Time Using Light

Researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory and the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology applied optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to the burial sediments. This method determines the last time mineral grains were exposed to sunlight. Four sediment samples from two excavation pits were carefully collected and analyzed, enabling scientists to estimate when flood deposits sealed the archaeological layers.

Signs of Intense Flooding

The OSL results, spanning approximately the last 1,200 years, showed variation with depth, consistent with layered flood deposits. Older sediments were found deeper, while younger sediments were nearer the surface, indicating repeated deposition. Fine silty clay was detected above brick structures, with coarser sand beneath, suggesting a high-energy flood followed by calmer sedimentation. Based on this evidence, researchers concluded that the “urban-like” structures at Keezhadi were buried around 1,155 years ago due to a major Vaigai River flood.

These findings align with broader patterns of late Holocene climate variability, during which South Indian rivers alternated between wetter and drier periods and frequently changed course. Today, the Vaigai flows several kilometers away from Keezhadi, reflecting long-term landscape changes. By pinpointing when flooding buried the site, the study provides crucial insights into Keezhadi’s history and aids future archaeological planning, illustrating how environmental forces have historically influenced human settlements and their preservation.

Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.

For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board

For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section

For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section

For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Competitive Exams - Visit Notopedia's College Entrance Exams Section