**Executive Summary**
This document contains the Indian government's response to parliamentary questions regarding archaeological evidence from the Keeladi excavation site in Tamil Nadu. It addresses the acknowledgment of Keeladi's significance, the recognition of its findings, concerns about archaeologist transfers, and collaboration with the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department. The answer was provided on December 8, 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Archaeological Findings**:
* Archaeological evidence of different cultures in Tamil Nadu has been brought to light.
* Excavations are conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, Universities, and Research Institutes.
* The number of excavations by each entity from 2021 to August 2025 is listed in a table.
* **Keeladi Report & Recognition**:
* A draft report on the Keeladi excavation conducted between 2014 and 2016 by ASI has been submitted.
* A final report on excavations conducted since 2018 by the Government of Tamil Nadu has not yet been received.
* **Archaeologist Transfers**:
* Allocation of works to archaeological officers is a routine administrative matter.
* **Collaboration and Approvals**:
* The Government of India grants excavation approvals as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules 1959.
* The government collaborates with the State Department of Archaeology and other institutions/agencies as required.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)**
* **Impact:** ASI is one of the primary bodies conducting excavations in Tamil Nadu. It has submitted a draft report on Keeladi excavations from 2014-2016.
* **Action Required:** Continue conducting excavations and explorations as per government approvals.
**Stakeholder: Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department**
* **Impact:** The department is involved in conducting excavations in Tamil Nadu, and the government is awaiting its final report on Keeladi excavations since 2018.
* **Action Required:** Submit the final report on Keeladi excavations conducted since 2018. Continue excavations as per government approvals.
**Stakeholder: Universities and Research Institutes**
* **Impact:** These institutions are also involved in conducting excavations in Tamil Nadu.
* **Action Required:** Continue conducting excavations and explorations as per government approvals.
**Stakeholder: Minister of Culture**
* **Impact:** Liable to respond to the questions and act on the findings.
* **Action Required:** No action specified.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The ministry responsible for matters relating to culture, including archaeology, mentioned in the question.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): Indian government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country; plays a key role in Keeladi excavations.
Keeladi: Location of archaeological site in Tamil Nadu, India, that is the subject of the parliamentary question; significant for its Iron Age finds.
Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department: State government agency involved in archaeological work at Keeladi and collaboration with central government agencies.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958: Indian law that provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance, including excavation regulations.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1300
ANSWERED ON-08.12.2025
ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FROM KEELADI EXCAVATION
1300. MS S JOTHIMANI:
SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government acknowledges the archaeological evidence from Keeladi and related
sites in Tamil Nadu indicating the existence of an advanced, literate Iron Age civilisation;
(b) if not, the reasons for the reluctance to formally recognise this antiquity despite carbon dating
and artefact analysis from reputed national and international institutions;
(c) whether it is a fact that Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is not recognizing the findings
of the Keeladi report prepared by the Government of Tamil Nadu or the antiquity of Iron in
Tamil Culture, if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor,
(d) whether the Government is aware that Dr. Amarnath Ramakrishna, the archaeologist who led
the initial Keeladi excavations and brought national attention to the findings, has been transferred
multiple times, and if so, whether the Government has reviewed concerns raised by historians
and civil society about such actions affecting academic independence, and
(e) whether the Government is willing to work collaboratively with the Tamil Nadu State
Archaeology Department and leading research institutions to ensure scientific integrity,
transparency and national recognition of Tamil Nadu's ancient archaeological heritage?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) and (b) Archaeological evidence of different cultures in Tamil Nadu have been brought to
light through various excavations and explorations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI), Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, Universities, and Research Institutes.
Excavations conducted during the last 5 years is as under:
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (till Aug)
ASI 2 2 1 2 1
State Government 9 8 - 8 1
Universities 3 - 1 2 3
Research Institutes - - 2 - -
Total 14 10 4 12 5(c) Draft report on excavation at Keeladi conducted between 2014 and 2016 by ASI has been
submitted. However, no final report on the excavations conducted since 2018 by Government of
Tamil Nadu is received so far.
(d) Allocation of works to archaeological officers is a routine administrative matter.
(e) Government of India grants approval for excavations as per the provisions of the Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules 1959 and ensures
implementation of the Act. It also collaborates with State Department of Archaeology and other
institutions/ agencies, as and when required.
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