Mankulam: Excavations of Archaeological Sites in Tamil Nadu (2006 - 2007)

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology was started with the aim of conservation and preservation of ancient monuments in Tamil Nadu and to conduct excavations at historical sites. With the motivation to bring out the cultural history of Tamil Nadu, it has identified and carried out excavations in various historical places. It has so far excavated 31 sites and unearthed various artifacts.

In the year 2006-2007 the Department carried out excavation at Mankulam in Madurai district and Nedunkur in Karur district at a cost of Rs.5.00 lakhs sanctioned by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Mankulam village is known for its Tamil Brahmi inscription, which mentions about the Pandya king Nedunchezhiyan of Sangam period.

I appreciate the sincere efforts taken by the officials of the department particularly Dr. C. Santhalingam, and Mr. S. Selvaraj, Archaeological Officers and the supervision of the work was by Dr. N. Marxia Gandhi, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist. Contour Survey and the drawing of the trenches were prepared by the conservation section officials Mr. R. Narayanan, Mr. T. Thangavelu, Mr. K. Olimolik, and Mr. M. T. Sridharan, for photographs. Dr. S. Vasanthi, Archaeologist took keen interest in bringing out this report. I hope this publication will be appreciated by the scholars in the of archaeology and history.

**Contents and Sample Pages**