First ring well with design unearthed at Keeladi site
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Every season of excavation at Keeladi archaeological site has unearthed ring wells, an indicator of the superior water conservation expertise that existed greater than 2,000 years in the past. But the restoration of a terracotta ring well with thumb impressions creatively carved on a band round its floor, ushered in a wave of pleasure among the many employees at work.
“So far we have excavated a dozen plain ring wells and this is the first one with an intricate design,” mentioned M. Ramesh, one of many 4 Archaeological Officers (AO), who has been assigned to the Keeladi site from spherical one.
The ring well was traced at a depth of 126 cm in one of many eight pits dug for the seventh section of excavation that resumed final month after the lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
On Tuesday, three layers of the ring well have been uncovered. The top of the primary ring is 44 cm with a diameter of 77 cm. The total top of the ring well with a 2.5 cm thick rim is 79 cm. The second ring has a barely otherwise designed band across the construction. It has depressions within the form of small squares.
Aesthetic sense
Deputy Director of Archaeology and the director of Keeladi excavations R. Sivanandam mentioned that the ring well with designs is a brand new discover, indicating the aesthetic sense of individuals dwelling in these occasions. “It is interesting to see how they used their creativity even on things of basic needs and necessity,” he mentioned.
“We will dig up to a depth of 4.25 metre to see how deep the well is and if there are more such designs visible,” mentioned Ajay Kumar, one other AO. In the final section, one ring well was excavated and fifth section unearthed the best at three.
The Keeladi ring wells additionally testify the science behind the constructions. Each ring is designed with a locking system and so they sit tightly one on high of the opposite, to stop sand from getting in, contemplating Keeladi’s proximity to Vaigai river and the sandy terrain of the area, mentioned Mr. Ramesh. He mentioned that it may be presumed that the ring wells helped the settlers to retailer water for the drought months.
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