Tamil NaduMonday, 20 July 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Vellalore excavation in Coimbatore: 1,000 artefacts and Tamil Nadu archaeology findings
Tamil Nadu archaeology has unearthed about 1,000 artefacts at Vellalore on the Noyyal riverbed, pointing to multiple historical periods and an ancient trade route.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On July 19, 2026, the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology said its excavations at Vellalore on the Noyyal riverbed in Coimbatore had yielded about 1,000 artefacts in less than four months, with work having begun on April 1, 2026.
Key specifics
- The excavations began on April 1, 2026 at 4 locations on the southern side of the Noyyal river.
- About 1,000 artefacts were unearthed in less than 4 months.
- The finds include shell and glass bangles, iron tools, pottery, beads, spindle whorls and terracotta hopscotch markers.
- The artefacts are believed to belong to periods from the 1st century BC to the British period, including the 5th to 10th century AD and 12th century AD.
- Mr. Suresh said Vellalore lay on an ancient trade route linking Vellalore, Sulur, Kathankanni, Kodumanal, Karur and Uraiyur.
Exam lens
TN history and archaeology question: Vellalore excavation, Noyyal riverbed, artefact types, and trade-route significance. TNPSC may ask the excavation start date, number of sites, or the historical periods identified.