Latest news with #Tamils
The Print
a day ago
- Politics
- The Print
Keezhadi excavation report under review—Centre on ASI's tussle with archeologist
New Delhi: Speaking for the first time in Parliament on the Keezhadi excavation report controversy, the Modi government Monday informed the house that there was no question of rejecting any report, and due process was being followed on the findings at the site of the 8th Century BCE settlement. 'The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is fully committed to follow the law and due scientific process for releasing the accurate findings based on the excavation at Keezhadi,' Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament. The Keezhadi excavation report has sparked a controversy involving the ASI and the Tamil Nadu government, with accusations of political interference and attempts to suppress Tamil heritage. The ASI requested revisions to the report submitted by senior archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, who led the initial excavations, but he refused, leading to a clash with the central government. Tamil Nadu's Archaeology Minister accused the BJP-led central government of treating Tamils as second-class citizens, while the Union Minister for Culture stated that further scientific studies were needed. Show Full Article Keezhadi, near Madurai, has yielded significant archaeological findings, including evidence of a well-planned urban settlement dating back to the 8th century BCE, potentially older than previously believed. Excavations have unearthed artifacts such as pottery with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, a literate society, and evidence of an urban planning system. In the Lok Sabha, T. Sumathy alias Thamizhachi Thangapandia, member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, asked about the details of the specific deficiencies cited by the ASI leading to the rejection of Ramkrishna's report. Shekhawat replied that 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 is under review,' he said, adding that the comments of experts have been shared with the lead archaeologist, which are still to be finalised. Weeks after the rejection, ASI had responded, saying the reports submitted by excavators are sent to various subject experts, who are requested to vet the reports for publication. 'Various alterations, as suggested by subject experts, are carried out by the excavators and resubmitted finally for publication. These are then published as Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India (MASI),' said ASI, adding that the Keezhadi excavator (Ramkrishna) has been communicated the suggestions of the experts for making necessary corrections in the draft report submitted by him, but he did not carry out the correction. Also read: Tamil Nadu is waging a new North-South clash of civilisations— Sivagalai to Keezhadi 'Missing details' Ramkrishna has been transferred 12 times in the last 21 years of his service in ASI. In June he was transferred just a month after the rejection of his report by ASI. Ramkrishna, in the 982-page report, classified Keezhadi into three periods: Pre-Early Historic (8th century BCE to 5th century BCE), Mature Early Historic (5th century BCE to 1st century BCE), and Post-Early Historic (1st century BCE to 3rd century CE). But the Parliamentary answer said, as per the experts suggestions, the nomenclatures of the three periods require change and the time bracket of the 8th century BCE to 5th century BCE given for period I is not justified at all. It also said that in the report, some details are also missing—a village map has to be redrawn, contour map, and images of graffiti. There was much political outrage after the Ramkrishna's report on Keezhadi was rejected. Many Tamil Nadu leaders and the Stalin-led DMK raised questions. 'Keezhadi is more than just mud and pottery, it serves as a mirror reflecting a 3,000-year-old Tamil civilisation that was urban, literate, and thriving long before the myths of the Ganges Valley,' said Stalin. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Journey of excavator Amarnath Ramakrishna who led Keezhadi dig & has seen 12 transfers in 21 yrs
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu Government to conduct national conference on epigraphy: Minister Thangam Thennarasu
'A national conference on epigraphy and inscriptions is soon to be conducted in Tamil Nadu,' said Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. Releasing a book 'Thisaiyayiram,' on epigraphy scholar S. Rajagopal during an event conducted by Archaeological Society in Madurai on Saturday (July 19, 2025), Mr. Thennarasu said that following several discussions in Legislative Assembly the fund allocated for excavation was raised from ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore. T.N. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu urges RBI to withdraw new restrictions on gold loans 'In addition to archaeology, the State Government was also keen on focussing on inscriptions and museums,' he added. 'A revival of the interest in archaeology in recent years could be attributed to the inception of museums and excavations sites,' he said. 'Moreover, in the last 10 to 15 years period, youngsters' interest in archaeology, excavations and its related subjects, has increased multifold, thanks to social media platforms and various forums,' he noted. Centre's desire is to treat Tamils as secondary citizens, says Thangam Thennarasu Mr. Thennarasu stated that the forums taking up the complex, technical subjects of history to the public in laymen's subject was an important development in the field. He pitched the government's idea of coming up with thematic museums in places such as Thirumalai Nayak Palace to provide the public with a holistic experience of the inscriptions and its history. Archaeologist and secretary of 'Pandiya Naatu Varalatru Aiyvu Mayam,' C. Santhalingam, Assistant Director of Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology V.P. Yathees Kumar, were also present during the event.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
EPS a coward, says minister Nehru
Chennai: Municipal administration minister K N Nehru on Saturday called AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami a coward. In a statement, Nehru said, "(Union home minister) Amit Shah is repeatedly saying there will be power sharing in Tamil Nadu. Palaniswami, a coward, who could not respond to Amit Shah, has no right to criticise the DMK alliance." Recalling the comments of Palaniswami about meeting Amit Shah in Delhi, Nehru said, "Palaniswami is shamelessly saying he knocked on the doors of Amit Shah's house for the welfare of Tamils. If he wanted to visit Amit Shah's house, he could have said it directly. What is the need for him to shift cars to speak about issues faced by the people? Why should he lie saying he went to Delhi to inspect the AIADMK party office?" Flaying Palaniswami for his remarks in Coimbatore and Chidambaram, Nehru said, "Palaniswami said in Coimbatore that the communists have faded away, but in Chidambaram, he invited them for his alliance with a red carpet. Both the communists and the VCK rejected the offer, saying it was not a red carpet but a bloodied carpet. Voters are confused about whether it is the same Palaniswami who has spoken two different things about political parties in two different places. " You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Tamil Nadu Day - a unique day in Tamils history, says CM
Chennai, Jul 18 (PTI) Tamil Nadu obtained its identity on this day in 1967, marking the occasion a unique day in the history of the Tamils, Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Friday. Recalling the efforts of the DMK government in naming the state, the Chief Minister said, 'On July 18, 1967, after the DMK came to power, this land's identity changed." 'Tamil Nadu Day – a unique day in the history of the Tamil community! The day when we officially got our true name of Tamil Nadu, a dream that we had been cherishing in our hearts for years, a dream come true," he said in a post on the social media platform 'X'. This was the day when the great leader (former Chief Minister) C N Annadurai named the state and repeated the name 'Tamil Nadu' thrice in the state Assembly. And the voice resonated. This is #TamilNaduDay!" the Chief Minister, who is the DMK president, said in the post. PTI JSP ADB Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Stalin Asks PM Modi To Intervene In Katchatheevu, BJP Says 'DMK Did Nothing When At Centre'
Last Updated: Chief Minister MK Stalin recalled that the state Assembly had adopted a resolution on April 2 this year, seeking Katchatheevu's retrieval. Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday alleged that the BJP-led Centre did not have the slightest concern for Tamil Nadu fishermen and that the BJP only does politics over who ceded Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka. Addressing a government event, Stalin said that the state government is taking all necessary steps to protect fishermen and their traditional fishing rights. He added that whenever he meets the Prime Minister, he urges the central government to take back Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka, as this would help permanently solve the issues faced by Tamil Nadu's fishermen. He recalled that the state Assembly had adopted a resolution on April 2 this year, seeking Katchatheevu's retrieval. He added that the state is also urging the Centre to ensure the release of Indian fishermen held in Sri Lankan jails and to bring back their seized boats. 'The BJP-led Union government does not have even a little concern for the Tamils or the Tamil Nadu fishermen and they (BJP) are only doing politics over who ceded Katchatheevu (to Sri Lanka)," Stalin alleged. Further, the chief minister said: 'The power to enter into an agreement with a foreign country is vested with the Union government. For over 10 years now, the BJP has been in power at the Centre. So far, what are the steps taken by them to retrieve Katchatheevu? Have they at least ensured that Tamil Nadu fishermen are not arrested by Sri Lanka? No, they have not." Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has alleged that Tamil Nadu fishermen trespassed into Katchatheevu and that they will not give up Katchatheevu island. BJP spokesperson Narayan Tirupathy responded to Stalin's remarks, stating that it was under the Congress rule at the Centre and DMK's power in the state when Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974. 'DMK did nothing when they shared power at the Centre for 14 years. We have ensured no firing by the Lankan Navy, unlike in Congress rule, where nearly 1,000 fishermen were killed. We have even saved a fisherman from a death sentence," he said. (With PTI inputs) view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 09:16 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
