Archaelogy team unearths iron age burial sites in Auroville

An archaeological survey and excavation team led by P Ravichandirane, an Assistant Professor of a government college has found iron age burial sites of about 2,500 years old in Auroville. The project is being funded by Auroville foundation.

Three excavation sites near the entrance of Matrimandir yielded articles made on iron, copper, ceramic, clay and bronze. Also seven urns of varying dimensions, base size and rim styles were unearthed. Glass beads and semi-precious stones were found inside the urn and also near it. Two of them were sealed with granite slabs. five swords, four daggers, three spears, two copper vessels, knife fragments, sickles and a bronze bell were among other things found be the team. A Neolithic tool made of stone from 5000 BC was excavated at Kuyilapalayam, 2 km away from Auroville.

Hundreds of burials were plotted as part of the survey between Bharat Nivas and Matrimandir.

“The objective of the survey and excavation is to study the lifestyle of Iron Age settlers with emphasis on the materials they used while burying the dead. It also focused on the relation between Arikamedu, an erstwhile port town with the settlers besides understanding the early history of Auroville,” said Ravichandirane.

The survey’s first phase began in February and ended in April. The second phase will soon be undertaken by the team.

Source: The Times of India

Photo: http://www.yhpondicherry.in/

Krishnaveni Ilanthirayan

2nd M.A. Mass Communication