Tamil Nadu: Carbon dating proves Thamiraparani civilisation older than 3,200 years
Chennai/IBNS: In a major finding, archeologists have found proof of an ancient civilization that thrived more than 3,200 years ago on the banks of River Thamiraparani in Tamil Nadu.
The rice grains and husk found in an urn during recent 'Porunai' archaeological excavations belong to 1155 BCE, carbon dating investigation by the Miami-based Beta Analytic Testing Laboratory has revealed, said Chief Minister MK Stalin.
The new discovery has reinforced Tamil Nadu's claims of its lands being the home to a thriving civilisation older than the Indus Valley civilisation.
Earlier, experts confirmed that the excavations from Adhichanallur and Korkai, believed to have been a port, in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin district, belong to 9th century BCE and 8 BCE respectively, were part of a mature civilisation there, now called Tamiraparani, according to an NDTV report.
"History of the Indian subcontinent's civilisation should be re-written from the Tamil Nadu landscape," Stalin asserted.
Minister for Industries and Archaeology Thangam Thennarasu told NDTV, "This scientifically proves Tamil civilisation is as ancient as Indus Valley civilisation. Tamil is a classical language. Earlier it was portrayed it's not as old as it was portrayed. Now it's scientifically established through a scientific process that it's an ancient language and there existed a civilisation which was very rich in cultural, trade and industrial activities."
An archaeological museum in Tirunelveli at a cost of Rs 15 crore will be set up, the Tamil Nadu government has said.
Under this endeavour, archaeological excavations and research projects will be conducted in countries like Egypt, Oman, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam with whom ancient Tamils have had trade and cultural ties.
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