Sivaganga: There is no decision taken in the eighth phase of excavation in Keeladi, said Archaeological Minister Thangam Thananasu who examined the seventh phase findings in Keeladi.
The minister made a surprise visit to the archaeological site on Tuesday and rose to the quadrant in 7ft to examine artifacts found at various levels of soil structure.
He was accompanied by Commissioner for Archaeological R Sivanantham.
Excavation has been completed in seven phases in Keeladi and taken out twice in the village of Kluster Kontthagai, Manalur and Gaugiak.
This is the first time the Archaeological Department of the State of Tamil Nadu has opened the quadrant without filling it with the ground after the excavation ends when he plans to establish an open site museum here.
The minister tells reporters that visitors will see artifacts in their natural environment when the museum is established and that it will be the first-of-type in Tamil Nadu.
He said that the department would seek the help of IIT-Madras to protect and preserve the brick structure in the quadrant.
Thennarsu added that the picture of the fish printed on the ring found well in the seventh phase and engraved coins found here strengthen the theory that people who live here have commercial transactions with other parts in other countries, namely North India.
‘There hasn’t been a decision about the eighth phase excavation in Keeladi’
