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Time of India

2nd phase of Porpanaikottai excavation concludes

Pudukkottai: The state department of archaeology has concluded the second, and likely final, phase of excavation at Porpanaikottai, a village near Pudukkottai town believed to contain remains of an ancient fort and a Sangam-era habitation site. The latest phase focused on Aramanai Thidal and Vadakku Kottai Karai, areas thought to hold remnants of an ancient fort and palace complex. "The excavation involved 21 trenches," said T Thangadurai, director of the Porpanaikottai excavation. Among the key finds were a 280 cm-long brick platform in trench B21, copper nails from pits A22 and C20, and a 353g copper stick (Maithaitheettumkuchi) from G27. A broken gold ornament in B22, along with coral beads, suggested the area's prosperity in ancient times. Grinding stones, possibly used for bead-making, were also recovered. "A notable discovery in C20 was a 497g agate stone, supporting the theory that the site housed a bead-making workshop," officials said. Burnt paddy beads, charcoal, and antler fragments found in the same pit point to domestic and food-related activities. A broken iron sword, believed to have been either ceremonial or defensive, was also unearthed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bhagalpur: 1 Trick to Reduce Belly Fat? Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo The first phase began in May 2023, following years of demands from archaeologists after a 4th-century hero stone was found in 2012. Earlier discoveries included Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, conch bangles, pottery, and bone tools, all pointing to a settlement that flourished from the Sangam to the medieval periods.