Which of the following excavation sites is associated with "Sangam age"?

The correct answer is Keeladi.

Key Points

•  Several excavation sites in Tamil Nadu are associated with the Sangam Age.
• The Sangam Age is a period in the history of ancient Tamil Nadu, roughly spanning from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE.
• This era is known for its rich Tamil literature, the Sangam literature, which provides valuable insights into the society, economy, and culture of the time.
• Archaeological excavations at various sites have corroborated and supplemented the information found in Sangam texts.
• Keezhadi, located in the Sivaganga district, is a significant Sangam period settlement site.
• Excavations here have revealed urban structures, brick buildings, ring wells, and pottery, indicating a well-developed civilization.
• Artifacts like beads made of agate and carnelian, as well as Roman pottery, suggest trade connections during this period.
• Tamil Brahmi inscriptions found on pottery at Keezhadi further highlight the literacy levels of the Sangam Age people.
• Kodumanal, in the Erode district, was a flourishing ancient trade city during the Sangam Age, mentioned in Sangam literature as Kodumanam.
• Excavations at Kodumanal have unearthed evidence of iron smelting, bead making, and textile production, indicating its industrial and commercial importance.
• The discovery of Roman coins and other foreign artifacts points to its trade links with distant lands.
• Korkai, in the Thoothukudi district, was an important port of the Early Pandyan Kingdom during the Sangam Age, famous for pearl fishery.
• Sangam literature and classical geographers mention Korkai as a significant maritime center.
• Archaeological findings include megalithic burial urns and pottery with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, dating back to the Sangam period.
• The presence of Roman ware and rouletted ware suggests external trade connections.
• Alagankulam, in the Ramanathapuram district, is another coastal site with Sangam Age connections.
• Excavations have revealed evidence of Indo-Roman trade, including Roman pottery and other artifacts.
• Its location suggests its role as a port in the Pandya kingdom during the Sangam era.
• Arikamedu, near Puducherry, though not strictly within Tamil Nadu, had strong trade links with the Tamil kingdoms during the Sangam Age.
• Excavations here have unearthed Roman artifacts, indicating a thriving trading post where Roman merchants interacted with the local population.
• These sites collectively provide archaeological evidence that aligns with and enriches our understanding of the Sangam Age as depicted in its literature.
• The ongoing excavations at these and other sites continue to shed more light on this important period of South Indian history.
• The findings reveal urban settlements, trade networks, craft production, and cultural interactions that characterized the Sangam Age.
• These archaeological discoveries are crucial for reconstructing a comprehensive picture of the life and times of the ancient Tamil people during this era.
• The artifacts unearthed offer tangible connections to the society described in the Sangam poems, bridging the gap between literature and material culture.