Archaeological excavations by the Department of Marine History and Marine Archaeology of Tamil University (TU) at Nangur near Sirkazhi in Nagapattinam district unveiled evidence indicating the existence of human settlement dating back to the Sangam Age.
Archaeological excavations by the Department of Marine History and Marine Archaeology of Tamil University (TU) at Nangur near Sirkazhi in Nagapattinam district unveiled evidence indicating the existence of human settlement dating back to the Sangam Age.
The excavation has been on since May 17 with the financial assistance of the University Grants Commission. Dr. V Selvakumar, Associate Professor, Department of Marine History and Marine Archaeology, Tamil University led the excavation and stated that various archaeological evidence was available there.
Dr. V Selvakumar pointed out that Nangur has been mentioned in Pattinappalai and Porunatrupadai. The Sangam Age Chola King Karikalan is said to have married the daughter of Nangur Vel, according to local legends. From the inscription at Takua in Thailand, which mentions about Nangurataiyan who dug a tank, it can be deduced that he belonged to Nangur.
Research suggests that many of the Divyadesams and Devara Thalangal bear evidence of human settlement from the iron age. Black ware and red ware pottery with the graffito of a fish symbol were found in the excavation. A workshop of a blacksmith was also excavated.
Chola roof tiles with folded ends and a rounded tip, terracotta figurines, sealings, ear ornaments and dice, glass heads, stone heads and bangle fragment were found. The terracotta figurines reveal excellent artistry. The research suggests that many of the 'Divyadesams' and 'Devaram' settlements have evidence of human settlement from the iron age. Nangur certainly belongs to the 3rd Century BC.
Dr. G Balasubramanian, the Vice-chancellor of Tamil University and Prof. Mark Hauser from USA's Northwestern University who explores the Danish settlement of Tharangambadi visited the site for comparative studies. Much more historical pieces of evidence are expected to be discovered.
The excavation has been on since May 17 with the financial assistance of the University Grants Commission. Dr. V Selvakumar, Associate Professor, Department of Marine History and Marine Archaeology, Tamil University led the excavation and stated that various archaeological evidence was available there.
Dr. V Selvakumar pointed out that Nangur has been mentioned in Pattinappalai and Porunatrupadai. The Sangam Age Chola King Karikalan is said to have married the daughter of Nangur Vel, according to local legends. From the inscription at Takua in Thailand, which mentions about Nangurataiyan who dug a tank, it can be deduced that he belonged to Nangur.
Research suggests that many of the Divyadesams and Devara Thalangal bear evidence of human settlement from the iron age. Black ware and red ware pottery with the graffito of a fish symbol were found in the excavation. A workshop of a blacksmith was also excavated.
Chola roof tiles with folded ends and a rounded tip, terracotta figurines, sealings, ear ornaments and dice, glass heads, stone heads and bangle fragment were found. The terracotta figurines reveal excellent artistry. The research suggests that many of the 'Divyadesams' and 'Devaram' settlements have evidence of human settlement from the iron age. Nangur certainly belongs to the 3rd Century BC.
Dr. G Balasubramanian, the Vice-chancellor of Tamil University and Prof. Mark Hauser from USA's Northwestern University who explores the Danish settlement of Tharangambadi visited the site for comparative studies. Much more historical pieces of evidence are expected to be discovered.