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.
| 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.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Keeladi important?
What was found at Adichanallur?
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First in Tamil Nadu
The verified firsts: first woman CM, India's first biosphere reserve, first bird sanctuary, TN's first Ramsar site and tiger reserve, and more.
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All 38 districts of Tamil Nadu in one list, with the newest districts and their carve-outs, the way TNPSC asks them.
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Every Chief Minister of Madras State and Tamil Nadu since 1946, with tenures, the exact list TNPSC draws sequence questions from.
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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