Six Excavated Sites in Krishnagiri Region: Archaeological Insights
By C. Chandrasekar
Summary
The Journal of Indian History and Culture's December 2021 issue focuses on archaeological excavations in the Krishnagiri region of Tamil Nadu, India. The study examines six sites, including Mallappadi, Togarapalli, Mayiladumparai, and Panaikulam, spanning prehistoric to medieval periods. Key findings include megalithic habitations, Neolithic artifacts like black-and-red pottery, and early historic russet-coated painted ware. The Mayiladumparai site uniquely revealed all four cultural phases: Microlithic (10,000–3000 BC), Neolithic (3000–1000 BC), Megalithic (1000–300 BC), and Early Historic (300 BC–1st century AD). Excavations uncovered rock paintings depicting human-animal interactions, combat scenes, and sexual postures, with white pigment overlaid on older red ochre. Memorial stones featured detailed carvings of heroes, tigers, and mythological themes, including Shivalinga and sati figures. The study highlights the region's archaeological significance, noting over 1,000 megalithic burials and a Tamil-Brahmi inscribed potsherd, indicating literacy in early historic times. Stratigraphic analysis and radiocarbon dating (e.g., 290 BC at Togarapalli) further contextualize the timeline. The research underscores the Krishnagiri district's historical continuity, from prehistoric settlements to medieval habitation, supported by ecological factors like perennial ponds and fertile valleys.
Conclusion
The excavations in the Krishnagiri region reveal a continuous human habitation spanning from the Microlithic period (10,000 BC) to the Medieval era, highlighting the area's rich cultural evolution. The discovery of all four cultural phases—Microlithic, Neolithic, Megalithic, and Early Historic—at Mayiladumparai provides unprecedented insights into the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural communities. The presence of rock paintings, micro-lithic tools, and pottery styles like black-and-red ware and russet-coated painted ware offers tangible evidence of technological and artistic advancements. Notably, the identification of Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions on potsherds underscores the emergence of literacy in early historic times. These findings not only enrich the understanding of Tamil Nadu's prehistoric and historic landscapes but also emphasize the Krishnagiri region's significance as a cultural and archaeological hub.