**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 50, answered on July 21, 2025, regarding the Keezhadi excavation findings, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, provided the following clarifications:
a) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not requested a revised report from the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology concerning the Keezhadi excavation findings. Therefore, concerns regarding specific scientific accuracy raised by the ASI are not applicable.
b) Consequently, the question regarding a timeline for submitting a revised report does not arise.
c) Since 2018, the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology has been conducting excavations at the Keezhadi site independently, without funding support from the ASI. Details regarding additional excavation phases and funding support for the tenth phase are therefore not relevant to the ASI.
d) The ASI provides permission for excavations as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and Rules 1959, ensuring implementation of the Act. The ASI also offers technical support to agencies, including the State Department of Archaeology, upon request, to ensure scientific integrity. A formal coordination mechanism is maintained through adherence to the aforementioned Act and Rules, and through the provision of technical assistance when solicited.
Key Entities Referenced
Keezhadi: An archaeological site in Tamil Nadu, India, that is the subject of excavation findings.
Archaeological Survey of India: An Indian government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation of cultural monuments in the country.
Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology: The state archaeology department of Tamil Nadu, involved in the Keezhadi excavations.
Thiru Dayanidhi Maran: A Member of Parliament who raised questions about the Keezhadi excavation findings.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Culture and Tourism who provided answers to the questions regarding the Keezhadi excavation.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958: An Indian law that provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains.
Vaigai river valley: The geographical area where archaeological sites related to the excavation reports are located.
Tamil Nadu: A state in India, location of Keezhadi excavation site.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 50
ANSWERED ON-21.07.2025
KEEZHADI EXCAVATION FINDINGS
50. Thiru Dayanidhi Maran:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the specific scientific accuracy concerns raised by the Archaeological
Survey of India that necessitated requesting a revised report from the Tamil Nadu State
Department of Archaeology regarding the Keezhadi excavation findings;
(b) the timeline provided to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology for
submitting the revised Keezhadi excavation report incorporating ASI's scientific
accuracy requirements;
(c) the details of the additional excavation phases and funding support being provided
by ASI for the tenth phase of Keezhadi excavation that began on June 18, 2024, which
has already identified six terracotta pipelines and various urban settlement structures;
and
(d) the details regarding the coordination mechanism established between ASI and the
Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology to ensure scientific integrity in future
excavation reports from the Vaigai river valley archaeological sites?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not requested for any revised report
on Keezhadi from the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology.
(b) Question does not arise.
(c) Since 2018, Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology is conducting excavations
at the site, for which ASI does not provide any funding support.
(d) ASI provides permission 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 provides technical support, as and when
requested by any agency including State Department of Archaeology.
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