**Summary:**
The Ministry of Culture announced the publication of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report on the Keezhadi excavation, following a directive from the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on February 29, 2024. The ASI initiated excavations at Keezhadi, a site identified as having archaeological potential in the Vaigai river basin, during the seasons 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17. Currently, the excavation is being conducted by the State Archaeology Department of Tamil Nadu. The reports for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 excavations have been submitted and vetted by scholars, adhering to established practices where the lead archaeologist's report is reviewed by experts. The ASI releases official reports after verifying the findings and incorporating expert conclusions in collaboration with the lead excavation archaeologist. The Keezhadi excavation was conducted under the ASI's supervision, and the lead archaeologist's report was reviewed, with expert comments shared. The ASI is committed to legal compliance and globally accepted scientific processes for releasing accurate findings from the Keezhadi excavation. This information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha. For further information, contact Sunil Kumar Tiwari at pibcultureatgmaildotcom. Release ID: 2147792.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry responsible for culture-related matters.
Keezhadi: An archaeological site in Tamil Nadu, India, known for ongoing excavations.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): An Indian government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation of cultural monuments.
Vaigai River: The river basin where the Keezhadi site was initially surveyed.
State Archaeology Department of Tamil Nadu: The archaeology department of the government of Tamil Nadu, currently conducting the Keezhadi excavation.
Madurai Bench of Madras High Court: A bench of the Madras High Court located in Madurai, which directed the submission of the Keezhadi excavation report.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism who provided information regarding the Keezhadi excavation report in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
Rajya Sabha: The upper house of the Parliament of India, where the Union Minister provided information.
Ministry of Culture
Publication of Keezhadi Excavation Report By ASI
Posted On: 24 JUL 2025 4:57PM by PIB Delhi
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had identified archaeological potential of Keezhadi after conducting
survey in Vaigai river basin. The site was taken up for excavation for the seasons 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-
17. Excavations at important sites are done by various agencies including State Archaeology Departments and
academic institutions. Currently, the Keezhadi excavation is being conducted by the State Archaeology
Department of Tamil Nadu.
th
Order dated 29 February 2024 by the Honorable Madurai Bench of Madras High Court had directed towards
submission of the report. The report on the excavation conducted during 2014-15 and 2015-16 has already
been submitted and vetted by eminent scholars as per set practice.
The lead Archaeologist submits a report of the excavation, which is vetted by the experts. After duly verifying
and incorporating the conclusions of experts in concurrence with the lead excavation Archaeologist, ASI
releases an official report. Keezhadi excavation has been conducted under the aegis of ASI and a report of
lead Archaeologist was reviewed. The comments of experts have also been shared with the lead
Archaeologist.
ASI is fully committed to follow the law and duely worldwide accepted scientific process and practice for
releasing the accurate finding based on the excavation at Keezhadi.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a
written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
****
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com
(Release ID: 2147792)