For several years, experts had surmised that the archaeological site at Keezhadi in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu dates back to the Sangam era.

Now, carbon dating has confirmed that two samples sent from the site are indeed nearly 2,200 years old.

The Keezhadi dig that started in 2013 provides archaeological evidence of ancient Tamil life that has so far been known largely from texts like Sangam literature.

While replying to DMK MP Kanimozhi in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, the Union Ministry of Culture informed the Upper House that the Archaeological Survey of India had sent two carbon samples from Keezhadi for carbon dating to Beta Analytic Inc., Florida, USA.

An overview of the excavated trenches in a coconut plantation at Keezhadi with a pottery yard in the middle.
An overview of the excavated trenches in a coconut plantation at Keezhadi with a pottery yard in the middle. © The Hindu