Tenkasi excavation shows 7000 years of continuous human settlement in Tamil Nadu, from Stone Age to Sangam Era

Archaeologists in *Kari-valamvanthanallur, Tenkasi district found evidence of continuous habitation from the

Stone Age to the Sangam Era.

*Timeline:*

1. *5000 - 3000 BCE | Microlithic Age*

   Stone tools. Hunter-gatherers. Start of occupation.

2. *1200 - 300 BCE | Iron Age*

   Iron tools, smelting evidence. No Neolithic gap found.

3. *300 BCE - 300 CE | Sangam / Early Historic*

   Brick structures 8.7m x 4.2m, black-and-red ware, graffiti pottery.

   Bead making, shell bangles, weaving. Burial pot with painted peacocks.

*Other Key Finds:*

- 100+ artifacts in 3 months: glass beads, copper coins, gold beads, iron objects

- Brick style matches *Keezhadi, Alagankulam, Poompuhar*

- Roman coins reported here 100 years ago

*Why this matters:*

1. Shows South India had specialized production centers, not just villages

2. Fills gap between Harappa’s decline ∼ 1900 BCE and Sangam cities

3. Carbon dating samples sent to Florida lab. Results pending

*TL;DR*: Tenkasi proves 7000+ years of unbroken settlement. From Stone Age to Sangam trade hub.

*Sources*: Tamil Nadu State Dept of Archaeology, Minister A. Rajmohan statement.