Archaeological Sites of Tamil Nadu
The syllabus names archaeology explicitly ('related archaeological discoveries'), and Keeladi has become the single most current-affairs-connected history topic in the exam.
Syllabus: GS Unit VI (TN history: archaeological discoveries)
| Site | District | What it yielded |
|---|---|---|
| Keeladi | Sivaganga (Vaigai valley) | Urban Sangam-era settlement; Tamil-Brahmi inscribed pottery; pushed urbanism dates earlier |
| Adichanallur | Thoothukudi | Urn-burial site; early Iron Age skeletons and artefacts |
| Sivagalai | Thoothukudi | Urn burials; paddy dating that made headlines |
| Korkai | Thoothukudi | Ancient Pandya port of the pearl trade |
| Alagankulam | Ramanathapuram | Port site with Roman-trade evidence |
| Kodumanal | Erode | Industrial site: gem-cutting, iron and steel workshops on the ancient trade route |
| Porunthal | Dindigul | Glass-bead workshop; inscribed grave goods |
| Mayiladumparai | Krishnagiri | Early Iron Age dates for Tamil Nadu |
| Gangaikondacholapuram | Ariyalur | Chola imperial capital excavations |
| Arikamedu | Near Puducherry (associated site) | Indo-Roman trade port, studied with the TN coastal sites |
New season findings from these digs appear in current affairs regularly, pair this list with the monthly compilations.
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Compiled from official Tamil Nadu government sources and standard references. Time-sensitive counts carry an as-of note on the page. Sources: TNPSC official notifications. Figures are indicative and may change with each official notification. Data last reviewed: July 2026.
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