Lok Sabha Question No. 1300 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-08
Subject: Archaeological evidence from Keeladi Excavation
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani, Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1300 ANSWERED ON-08.12.2025

## ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FROM KEELADI EXCAVATION

1300. MS S JOTHIMANI: SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government acknowledges the archaeological evidence from Keeladi and related sites in Tamil Nadu indicating the existence of an advanced, literate Iron Age civilisation;
- (b) if not, the reasons for the reluctance to formally recognise this antiquity despite carbon dating and artefact analysis from reputed national and international institutions;
- (c) whether it is a fact that Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is not recognizing the findings of  the  Keeladi  report  prepared  by  the  Government  of  Tamil  Nadu  or  the  antiquity  of  Iron  in Tamil Culture, if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor,
- (d) whether the Government is aware that Dr. Amarnath Ramakrishna, the archaeologist who led the initial Keeladi excavations and brought national attention to the findings, has been transferred multiple times, and if so, whether the Government has reviewed concerns raised by historians and civil society about such actions affecting academic independence, and
- (e)  whether  the  Government  is  willing  to  work  collaboratively  with  the  Tamil  Nadu  State Archaeology Department  and leading research institutions to ensure scientific integrity, transparency and national recognition of Tamil Nadu's ancient archaeological heritage?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)  and  (b)  Archaeological evidence of different  cultures in Tamil Nadu have been brought to light through various excavations and explorations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, Universities, and Research Institutes. Excavations conducted during the last 5 years is as under:

|                     | 2021   | 2022   | 2023   | 2024   | 2025 (till Aug)   |
|---------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|-------------------|
| ASI                 | 2      | 2      | 1      | 2      | 1                 |
| State Government    | 9      | 8      | -      | 8      | 1                 |
| Universities        | 3      | -      | 1      | 2      | 3                 |
| Research Institutes | -      | -      | 2      | -      | -                 |
| Total               | 14     | 10     | 4      | 12     | 5                 |

(c) Draft report on excavation at Keeladi conducted between 2014 and 2016 by ASI has been submitted. However, no final report on the excavations conducted since 2018 by Government of Tamil Nadu is received so far.

(d) Allocation of works to archaeological officers is a routine administrative matter.

(e)  Government  of  India  grants  approval  for  excavations  as  per  the  provisions  of  the  Ancient Monuments  and  Archaeological  Sites  and  Remains  Act,  1958  and  Rules  1959  and  ensures implementation of the Act. It also collaborates with State Department of Archaeology and other institutions/ agencies, as and when required.

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