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India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Planning A Trip To Karur? Don't Go Before You Know These 10 Wild Facts!
Karur in Tamil Nadu state of South India is a picturesque town that may be visited by many travellers. Those people who undertook the journey to this place considered themselves lucky because there is much to explore and learn about the town's history, culture as well as artwork. Prior to embarking on your journey to this hidden treasure, there are some key points you need to know in order to make the most out of your visit. 1. Historical Importance and Heritage: Karur has a deep-rooted historical background which goes back over 2000 years making it one among the oldest inhabited places within Tamil Nadu. It was an important centre during the Sangam Age, known for its trade and textiles. The ancient temples such as Pasupatheeswarar Temple and Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar Temple in this area reflect past glory with outstanding architectural designs that were created through a mix of artistry and spiritual devotion. 2. Cultural Insights: The cultural fabric of Karur is woven with traditions that have endured through centuries. However, Karur cotton textiles from its handloom industry are famous throughout the world. An examination of local weaving units will reveal how hard work goes into these fabrics whose names have been on everyone's lips for years now. Besides, karur celebrates lively festivals like Chithirai Festival and Adi Thabasu Festival where traditional rituals and ceremonies happen. 3. Cuisine and Culinary Delights: You cannot go back home without sampling authentic food flavours found in Karur hence it forms part of the must do things when visiting this place within Tamil Nadu district of India.. In relation to agriculture covered by this area foods prepared here reflects abundance while others expose culinary heritage dishes here are several options such as steaming idlis accompanied by dosas ,mouthwatering biryanis plus tangy curries hence a variety for your taste buds to explore. Some of the signature sweets such as Karur Halwa which has a peculiar taste and smoothness cannot be missed. 4. Practical Travel Tips: It is crucial to reflect on certain aspects related to one's practical journey before setting out. Karur is well connected by road and rail with easy access through buses and trains from cities like Chennai or facilities cater for all kinds of budgets from affordable guest houses to mid-range hotels. It is better if you schedule your visit between October and March where the weather is cool avoiding the summer heat. 5. Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity: It is highly essential that while in Karur or any other place, one should observe local outfits are preferable when you enter sacred places, at least it will show that you respect their traditions, remove shoes when entering religious buildings including temples among it comes up during festivities or market activities, then people may not agree with you taking photographs without first seeking tourists wishing to enjoy themselves when travelling; they should be respectful towards others as this would enhance their experience through promotion cultural integration. 6. Exploring Nearby Attractions: One can also tour nearby attractions while still staying in Karur if he wants more insight into Tamil Nadu's culture and beauty of its Bull and Kangayam cattle market located very close to this place are famous for native breeds of cows as well as agricultural River which flows into Kaveri provides a peaceful environment that suits picnics or relaxed walks along its paths. 7. Considerations of Safety and Health: Like any tourist place, safety precautions and health needs should be taken into account. Appreciate your trip by ensuring that you apply the correct sunscreen and keep hydrated during hot months. It is a good idea to have some basic medicines together with a first aid box in case of any emergencies. While Karur is normally very safe, it would be wise to be cautious about your property while there and avoid lonely areas at night. 8. Promoting Local Handicrafts: Karur's reputation as India's handloom centre transcends admiration itself; it is an opportunity to contribute towards local artists' welfare while buying home unique souvenirs. Shopping in Karur adds value to one's travels because it leads directly to the livelihoods of master craftsmen including intricately woven saris and colourful home furnishings among others. 9. Being Conscious About The Environment: Environmentally conscious travel means being aware how our actions can affect the environment we are visiting. Dispose waste properly to avoid single-use plastics. A lot has been done in Karur to promote sustainable development such as eco-friendly hotels and community-led conservation groups among others, therefore supporting these initiatives will help conserve its pristineness for future generations who may want to visit this town. with Local Festivities Lastly, soak up the vibrant heartbeat of Karur by getting involved in local activities or cultural events happening around you such as witnessing a traditional dance show or joining religious processions that provide insight into the cultural heritage of Karur & sow its community spirit. Final Thoughta In summary, travellers seeking an authentic South Indian experience will find Karur with its rich amalgamation of history, culture and craftsmanship most rewarding. As guests embrace the long-standing traditions through exploring hidden treasures within it while relating well with locals creates a deeper connection between them which will remain forever memorable about Tamil Nadu's inviting nook. You should know that Karur is not only about the places and sounds you will experience but it's also about the warmth as well as kindness of its people who welcome you to become part of their legacy.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
ASI allows Sriraman to prepare report on Keeladi excavations
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has given permission to archaeologist P.S. Sriraman, who led the third phase of excavations at Keeladi in Sivaganga district, to prepare a detailed report on the work carried out under his supervision. According to official sources in the ASI, the agency has permitted Mr. Sriraman, who retired in 2019, to prepare reports on the third phase of excavations at Keeladi and one season of excavations at Kodumanal in Erode district, which he led. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Sriraman confirmed that he had sought permission from the ASI to write the reports on excavations at Keeladi and Kodumanal. 'As I had retired, both reports were pending. I sought the approval of the ASI to access the material and prepare the reports. Since all the related materials are in Chennai, I will begin preparing the reports soon,' he said. This comes a couple of months after the ASI asked archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna, who unearthed an ancient civilisation during the first two phases of excavations at Keeladi, to revise and resubmit his report with necessary corrections. However, he refused to do so, and defended his conclusions as well-reasoned. Mr. Ramakrishna unearthed brick structures and artefacts suggesting the presence of an urban civilisation in Tamil Nadu since the Sangam Age. However, he was transferred to Assam in 2017. Mr. Sriraman, who succeeded him, reported that there was no continuity in the previously discovered brick structures. Since 2017, the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has been conducting excavations at Keeladi, beginning with the fourth phase. By 2024-25, the excavations had entered its tenth phase and yielded hundreds of antiquities.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Veteran epigraphist and archaeologist honoured with Tamil Wikki Suran Award
V. Vedachalam, well-known epigraphist and archaeologist, has been honoured with many awards during his long and eventful career, but bagging the Tamil Wikki Suran Award as he steps into his 51st year in the field, has filled him with immense pleasure. 'It is a recognition of my services, and I am grateful for this honour,' he said. At 75 years of age, his ardour to dig into the past has not diminished. His eyes light up as he reminisces about his first dig at Karur, the capital of the Chera Kingdom. There, he and his team were instrumental in unearthing a portion of the fort wall. 'I had just completed my MA in Tamil literature, and after finishing my PG diploma in archaeology and epigraphy, I was recruited into the Archaeology Department. It was while working in Karur that I realised this was going to be my life-long passion. Tamil literature unveiled the history of Sangam Age, and there at the site, I was seeing the historical sources in person,' he remarked. His background in Tamil literature also helped him to become a consummate epigraphist. He remembers climbing up a hillock on a hot summer's day in Vikramangalam to study various inscriptions found there. After a while, he stepped onto a deep ledge and lay down. And there on the ceiling was an inscription that had been hidden for over 2,000 years. 'At that moment, I was euphoric. The feeling that I have discovered something new filled me with happiness,' Mr. Vedhachalam said. He was the first one to talk about the potential of the Keeladi site. Even after retirement, many remember him visiting Keeladi in the morning and leaving the site only after sunset. This fervour has not diminished. An author of 25 books, Mr. Vedachalam has travelled to various historical sites, not just in India but also abroad. 'As an archaeologist, it is important that we travel and compare various sites. For only in comparison, can we understand the uniqueness and ancientness of the artefacts that are being unearthed in Tamil Nadu. For me, ancient history is much beyond caste and religion. This shared history binds us, and it is paramount that we preserve them for future generations,' he said. He visits colleges and meets students in order to disseminate what he has learnt on this journey. Since 2009, along with Dhan Foundation on every second Sunday of the month, Mr. Vedachalam and his team have visited almost 300 villages to create awareness among the villagers about the historicity of the places and the need to preserve various monuments nearby. For him, there are more things to be unearthed and even more that need to be preserved, for our ancient history now lives on in fragile fragments.
India Today
18-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Archaeologist leading Keeladi excavation loses key role amid ongoing row
Archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna, known for leading the Keeladi (also known as Keezhadi) excavation in Tamil Nadu, has been relieved from his role as Director (Antiquity) in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and will now serve exclusively as Director of the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA), headquartered in Greater transfer, which marks Ramakrishna's 12th in 21 years of service, comes at a time when political tensions between the BJP-led central government and the Tamil Nadu government continue over the interpretation and release of findings from the Keeladi part of his reassignment, Ramakrishna will now operate from NMMA's Greater Noida office, stepping away from ASI headquarters in New Delhi. The Director (Antiquity) role, which he vacated, involved broader responsibilities including the protection, registration, and repatriation of antiquities. In comparison, the NMMA position is seen by ASI insiders as more limited in scope. Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK has condemned the move, calling it 'authoritarian' and 'outrageous.'DMK MP and senior advocate P Wilson posted on X criticising the transfer, stating that Ramakrishna faced pressure from the Centre to alter findings and refused. Wilson alleged the government is attempting to bring in a more compliant officer to dilute the excavation's Naik, the official who had earlier directed Ramakrishna to revise his Keeladi report with additional data, has been given additional charge as Director (Antiquity). It was reportedly Naik's letter, sent nearly two-and-a-half years after the submission of the excavation report, that had sparked criticism from the DMK and allied parties, who accused the Centre of deliberately delaying the publication of the Minister MK Stalin had earlier voiced strong objections over central interventions related to the excavation, accusing Union ministers of disrespecting Tamil Nadu's contributions. Stalin also referenced Keeladi in recent public speeches, questioning the lack of appreciation for the discovery of what is believed to be the earliest Iron Age civilisation in the Keeladi excavation, located in Sivaganga district near Madurai, has been highlighted by Tamil Nadu leaders for pushing back the Sangam Age timeline to around 800 BCE, older than previously believed. However, the Centre has called for further data and evidence before making such historical claims official. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently reiterated that the Centre supports scientifically proven research but accused the DMK government of politicising the findings and not cooperating fully with ongoing NMMA was launched in 2007 during the UPA government to create a database of India's built heritage and archaeological sites. The project, initially expected to conclude in five years, has faced significant delays due to financial and administrative constraints.
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
ASI Transfers Keeladi Excavation Chief Amid Tamil Nadu Political Row
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reassigned K Amarnath Ramakrishna, the prominent archaeologist who spearheaded the significant Keeladi excavations in Tamil Nadu. Ramakrishna has been removed from his position as ASI Director (Antiquity) and will now serve solely as Director of the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) based in Greater Noida. This administrative change represents Ramakrishna's twelfth transfer in his 21-year career and occurs during heightened political friction between the BJP-led federal government and Tamil Nadu's state administration regarding the interpretation and publication of Keeladi excavation results. Under the new arrangement, Ramakrishna will operate from NMMA's Greater Noida headquarters rather than ASI's main office in New Delhi. His previous Director (Antiquity) position encompassed extensive duties including antiquity protection, registration, and repatriation activities. ASI sources indicate the NMMA role carries more restricted responsibilities compared to his former position. HA Naik, the official who previously instructed Ramakrishna to revise his Keeladi findings with supplementary data, has assumed additional responsibilities as Director (Antiquity). Naik's directive, issued nearly two and a half years after the excavation report's initial submission, drew sharp criticism from DMK and allied political parties who accused the central government of intentionally stalling the publication process. Tamil Nadu's governing DMK party has strongly denounced the transfer, characterizing it as both "authoritarian" and "outrageous." DMK Member of Parliament and senior legal advocate P Wilson expressed criticism through social media, alleging that Ramakrishna faced central government pressure to modify his findings but refused to comply. Wilson claimed the administration seeks to install a more cooperative official who might weaken the excavation's conclusions. Chief Minister MK Stalin has previously expressed firm opposition to federal interference regarding the excavation, accusing Union ministers of showing disrespect toward Tamil Nadu's historical contributions. Stalin has also incorporated Keeladi references in recent public addresses, questioning the insufficient recognition given to what researchers believe represents the region's earliest Iron Age civilization discovery. The Keeladi archaeological site, situated in Sivaganga district near Madurai, has gained prominence among Tamil Nadu leaders for potentially extending the Sangam Age timeline to approximately 800 BCE, significantly earlier than previously established dates. However, federal authorities have requested additional data and supporting evidence before officially endorsing such historical timeline revisions. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently reaffirmed the Centre's support for scientifically validated research while accusing the DMK government of politicizing the archaeological findings and failing to provide complete cooperation with ongoing research initiatives. The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities was established in 2007 during the United Progressive Alliance government with the objective of creating a comprehensive database of India's architectural heritage and archaeological locations. The initiative, originally planned for completion within five years, has experienced substantial delays due to financial limitations and administrative challenges.
