Keezhadi Excavation Report: ASI's Silence Sparks Debate

The Indian government clarified in Parliament that no revised report on the Keezhadi site was requested from Tamil Nadu's archaeological department. The Keezhadi excavation has become a contentious topic between the Centre and state government, with allegations of political pressure affecting archaeological findings. Recent excavation phases revealed urban settlement structures.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has clarified that it has not sought any revised report from the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology regarding the Keezhadi site, as revealed in a parliamentary session. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed this in response to a question from DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran.

The excavation at Keezhadi in Tamil Nadu has been embroiled in controversy, with DMK leaders accusing the BJP-led central government of pressuring archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna to modify his findings. Tensions escalated after Minister Shekhawat emphasized the need for further studies to validate ASI's findings on the ancient civilization present at the site.

Inquiries in the Lok Sabha also sought details regarding additional excavation phases and funding support for the Keezhadi site. Minister Shekhawat reiterated that ASI neither requested a revised report nor provides funding for excavations conducted by the Tamil Nadu State Department since 2018. The ASI's role involves granting excavation permissions and offering technical assistance when requested.

(With inputs from agencies.)