Archaeological Excavations of Tamilnadu- Sendamangalam, Maligaimedu, Teriruveli (Volume I)

The prime function of the Department of Archaeology is the conduct of excavations in archaeologically and historically important places of Tamil Nadu. So far the Department has conducted excavation in 34 places all over Tamil Nadu and brought out valuable findings which revealed the ancient historical significance of the State. The excavation reports have been published for 27 sites.

The book Archaeological Excavations of Tamil Nadu - Volume I contains the report on excavation carried out at the following places.

1. Sendamangalam, Villupuram District, 1992-93, 1994-95 - Early Historic period

2. Maligaimedu, Cuddalore District, 1999-2000- Early Historic period 3. Teriruveli, Ramanathapuram District, 1999-2000- Pre Historic & Historic period

Sendamangalam was the capital of Later Pallava ruler Koperunjinga, wherein the excavation revealed number of terracotta figurines, brick structure and a well of early historic period. At Maligaimedu, brick structure, terracotta ring wells, and antiquities such as copper coins of Sathavahana, Vijayanagara dynasties, spindle whorls, terracotta smoking pipes, ear lobes, gamesmen etc., were the important findings in the excavation. At Teriruveli, the noteworthy finding are the microlithic tools. Apart from this, the remarkable findings were the inscribed potsherds with Tamil Brahmi bearing the names of Chola king Nedunkili, Kottran, Sathan etc.

I am happy in bringing out this volume for the benefit of scholars, students and general public. I thank the Government of Tamil Nadu for providing adequate funds to bring out this publication. I wish to place on record the contribution made by Thiruvalargal Natana. Kasinathan, K. Damodaran and A. Abdul Majeed, former Directors of this Department in the conduct of the excavations and the authors Dr. R. Poongundran, K. Sridharan, R. Selvaraj, Dr. S. Vasanthi who contributed papers.

**Contents and Sample Pages**