Thamirabarani River Civilization in Tamil Nadu Dating Back 3,200 Years

Context

In a recent development, a US-based lab has carbon-dated the remains discovered from an ancient civilization in Tamil Nadu to at least 3,200 years.

Findings of Porunai River (Thamirabarani) civilization

• The finding has established that the Porunai River (Thamirabarani) civilization dates back to 3,200 years. 
• Beta Analytic Testing showed that rice and soil existed dating back to 1155 BCE. 
• This is the oldest civilization perhaps, older than the Vaigai civilization which is believed to be 2,600 years old.
• The findings of artefacts at the excavation sites prove that the civilisation existed prior to the 4th century BC.
• Archaeological excavations would be carried out in other States and countries in search of Tamil roots. 
  • The port of Musiri, now known as Pattanam in Kerala to look into any possible links to the ancient Chera kingdom.
  • Studies will also be conducted at 
    • Vengi in Andhra Pradesh
    • Palur in Odisha
    • Talakadu in Karnataka
  • Quseir al- Qadim in Egypt, it was once part of the Roman empire as well as in Khori Rori in Oman. 
    • It will establish Tamil’s trade relations with these countries.
  • Similar studies will also be conducted by the State Government in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam (conquered by Tamil King Rajendra Chola), and Indonesia, with the help of local archaeologists.
    • The three ruling houses of Tamil India, the Pandyas, Cheras, and Cholas, fought for supremacy of southern India and Sri Lanka. These dynasties promoted early literature on the Indian subcontinent and built important Hindu temples.

Other Findings

• The silver coin with sun and other symbols (the moon, the taurine and other geometrical patterns) was pre-Mauryan and was recently excavated from Keezhadi(Tamilnadu).
• The Tamil society Keezhadi has united Tamils across the world.
• Studies on this found the coin to date back to the 4th century BC, which is before the time of the ancient Maurya empire (321-185 B.C.E).
• Other Archaeological excavations are being done at Kodumanal, Keeladi, Korkai, Mayiladumparai, Sivakalai, Adichchanallur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu.
• As per the carbon dating of artefacts, the Keeladi civilisation dates back to 6th century BC proving that Tamilians were learned even then.