Archaeologists have made a significant discovery at the Vembakkottai excavation site in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district. During the ongoing third phase of excavation which began in June, they have unearthed jasper and chert stones – key materials for crafting jewelry and hunting implements.
Believed to be 6,000 years old, the stones were found in Vembakkottai village, located along the northern bank of the Vaippar River. The site lies on the Sivakasi-Kalugumalai road, approximately 15 kilometers from Sivakasi and 23 kilometers south of Kalugumalai. Excavations commenced on June 18th and are still ongoing.
Since the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) initiated the project in 2022, around 10,000 artifacts have been unearthed at Vembakkottai. The ongoing third phase has yielded over 2,400 artefacts between June and November.
Tamil Nadu's Minister for Finance and Archaeology, Thangam Thennarasu, shared news of the discoveries on social media. He highlighted the role of jasper and sard stones in crafting ornaments and hunting tools in ancient times. Referencing a line from the Tamil text 'Kalithokai' that mentions a ring engraved with a shark, Thennarasu emphasized the long-standing jewelry-making tradition of the ancient Tamils. These findings, he noted, confirm the sophisticated craftsmanship of ancient Tamil society.
Jasper and chert stones, historically used to create ancient jewelry and hunting tools, were discovered in this phase of excavation,” remarked Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, who also oversees archaeology. “These findings illustrate the artistry of ancient Tamils.
References-
2. https://www.etvbharat.com/amp/en/!state/6000-year-old-jewellery-making-stones-unearthed-at-tamil-nadu-excavation-site-enn24110803576 Tag: Ancient Tamil Craftsmanship
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