Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Archaeologists conducting excavations at Porpanaikottai in Tamil Nadu, India, have discovered several artefacts, including a gold stud, a bone point, and a carnelian bead.
- These findings provide insights into the culture and trade during the Sangam Age, a period in ancient Tamil history.
Key findings:
- The carnelian bead, a round-shaped red stone, was also discovered at the site. Similar beads have been found in other parts of Tamil Nadu, indicating a system of domestic trade. Carnelian stones were commonly sourced from Gujarat.
- In addition to these artefacts, the excavation has revealed a three-course brick structure and over 150 other antiquities, such as potsherds, glass bangles, beads, a terracotta lamp, a coin, a spindle whorl, and rubbing stones.
Overall, these discoveries shed light on the material culture, trade networks, and social organization during the Sangam Age in Tamil Nadu.
About Sangam Age:
Sangam Age refers to the period of the history of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala spanning from the 6th century BCE to c. 3rd century CE.
