TN State Archaeology makes encouraging finds near Gangaikondacholapuram

The State Department of Archaeology has made some encouraging finds lower than two months into the excavation at Maligaimedu near Gangaikondacholapuram, the capital of King Rajendra Chola I.

“Thirteen coarse brick walls have been exposed so far at the site. A copper coin, some potsherds and iron pieces have been collected. Besides, a piece of Chinese celedon ware, belonging to 10-11th century, has also been found,” R.Sivanandam, Deputy Director of Archaeology, advised The Puucho.

“We have to send the coin for chemical cleaning but going by its circular shape we can assume it is a Chola period one. The presence of celedon ware is indicative of the trade ties that had existed [between the two countries] then,” Mr.Sivanandam mentioned. “We have to dig further to assess the brick structures fully ” he added.

Gangaikondacholapuram was established by King Rajendra Chola I (1012-1044 CE) after his victorious expedition as much as the Gangetic plains. Excavations carried out earlier at Maligaimedu had revealed the stays of a royal palace. The earlier excavations had been carried out on the web site on a smaller scale on six events when parts of the Rajendra Chola’s palace had been unearthed. Antiques and different objects discovered within the excavations are on show at a museum at Gangaikondacholapuram.

The current excavation on the web site started in direction of the top of February after conducting surveys utilizing drone, thermal camers and floor penetrating radars, with the assistance of assorted businesses. Excavation is now underway at 5 trenches on the web site. The division is seeking to take up exploration on a bigger scale now to seek out out extra in regards to the palace, town and its streets.

The web site is likely one of the seven recognized for excavation within the State by the division. In January, T.Udayachandran, Principal Secretary and Commissioner of the Department, had introduced plans to launch excavations on the seven websites after the initiatives had been granted permission by the Central Advisory Board for Archaeology (CABA).

The excavation on the web site is carried out below the supervision of S.Nandakumar, Director of web site, and K.Bagyalakshmi, co-director, Umayal and Subhalakshmi, Archaeological Officers, in addition to three analysis assistants. About 30-40 employees are engaged within the excavation, which is able to go on until the start of the monsoon.