2000-year-old earthenware unearthed

Tamil Nadu - Tirunelveli

P. Sudhakar

Proof that Tamils were experts in making baked mud vessels: archaeologist

— Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

Accidental find: The articles excavated from
South Ilanthaikulam near Kayathaar in Tuticorin district.

TIRUNELVELI: Archaeologists here have unearthed 2,000-year-old earthenware from South Ilanthaikulam under Kayathaar union in Tuticorin district.

When some villagers of this hamlet excavated sand with earthmovers from an elevated area, they found the burial urn.

They informed renowned archaeologist, M. Senthil Selvakumaran, Archaeological Officer, Tirunelveli, about the findings. A careful examination of this spot by Dr. Senthil Selvakumaran and his team revealed that some of the urns had copper ornaments, extremely beautiful mud vessels with stand and intricately made mud cups with lid. The surface of these mud vessels in red and black are so elegant and shining as well.

Another interesting finding is a partially broken 16-cm-long article made of tusk with a broad rear portion and narrow front section.

“We presume that this article, going by its shape, might have been used as a musical instrument or a tool to give medicine to the cattle. However, the holes carved on the tusk suggest that this article should have been a musical instrument or some other ornamental piece as a medical tool does not require such intricate details,” Dr. Selvakumaran said.

“From these rare findings, we can infer that the Tamils were experts in making baked mud vessels and professionals in fabricating ornaments by melting copper.”

Since preliminary investigations of these antiques have not provided any vital clue, steps have been taken to clean these vessels to find whether they were carrying any marks or letters, Dr. Selvakumaran said.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/07/stories/2007100750680200.htm