Is the Keezhadi Excavation Being Delayed by Cheap Politics?

Chennai, June 10 (NationPress) Following the dismissal of claims regarding the delay in the approval of findings from the Keezhadi archaeological digs by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tamil Nadu’s Finance and Archaeology Minister Thangam Thennarasu vehemently criticized the central government, accusing the BJP-led Union administration of intentionally hindering the acknowledgment of Tamil heritage.

In a post on the social media platform X, Thennarasu voiced his profound discontent over what he termed the Centre’s ongoing efforts to diminish the importance of Keezhadi.

"Initially, they claimed there was nothing significant in Keezhadi. Then they reassigned the research officer. Subsequently, they denied funding. Ultimately, they have kept the submitted report in limbo for two years. Now, they assert that the evidence is lacking. It is a recurring pattern for them to dismiss Tamil history, albeit with varying justifications," he wrote.

In a sharp comment, he added: "The truth of history does not pause for your cheap politics. It belongs to the people and will be shared with the masses!"

Thennarasu also challenged the federal government’s hesitance to recognize the ancient and sophisticated roots of Tamil civilization.

"Despite global scientific studies affirming that Tamils are 5,350 years old, technologically advanced, and possess an ancient civilization, why is the federal government so hesitant to accept this? Is it due to an insatiable desire to keep Tamils as second-class citizens indefinitely?"

Earlier, Union Minister Shekhawat, speaking to journalists in Chennai, remarked that the reports provided by archaeologist Dr. Amarnath Ramakrishna, who oversaw two significant phases of the Keezhadi excavations, were not yet technically reliable.

"They should present more results, data, and evidence. A solitary finding cannot alter the entire narrative," he stated.

The Union Minister also accused certain individuals of using archaeological work for political gains to foster regional sentiments. The Keezhadi excavation, situated in Sivaganga district, has been celebrated by historians and archaeologists for unveiling an advanced urban settlement believed to trace back to the Sangam Age. The site has uncovered artifacts indicating a literate and industrial society dating as far back as the 6th century BCE, challenging previous assumptions about South Indian prehistory. However, the excavation has frequently been embroiled in political disputes, with ongoing accusations from Tamil Nadu leaders asserting that the Centre has worked to suppress Tamil cultural accomplishments.