Mon Jan 06 11:37:47 UTC 2025: ## Sangam-Era Settlements Unearthed in Villupuram District
**VILLUPURAM, Tamil Nadu, January 6, 2025** – A team of students and researchers from Arignar Anna Government Arts College have unearthed significant archaeological evidence of Sangam-era settlements along the banks of the Pambai River near Villupuram. The discoveries were made at two sites: Ayyankoyilpattu and Thennamadevi-Anaimedu.
The findings include a wide array of artifacts, such as spindle whorls, gamesmen, ear ornaments, beads made from semi-precious stones (carnelian, banded agate, and glass), and a copper coin dating back to the medieval Chola period. Black and red ware, red slipped ware, and red ware pottery fragments were also recovered, along with a portion of a female figurine and what appears to be Neolithic tools (a chisel-like celt and a stone axe).
The cultural mound at Thennamadevi-Anaimedu spans 10 acres, while the Ayyankoyilpattu mound covers more than 15 acres. Recent flooding, likely a result of Cyclone Fengal, exposed the artifacts on the surface of the mounds.
According to D. Ramesh, Assistant Professor of History at Arignar Anna Government Arts College, the artifacts strongly suggest the existence of settlements dating back to the Sangam period. The discovery of a copper coin bearing the symbols of King Uttama Chola further supports this conclusion.
This discovery builds upon previous excavations in the area. A 1987 University of Madras excavation at nearby Thiruvamathur revealed similar findings, suggesting a pattern of continuous settlement along the Pambai River during the early historical period. The current findings significantly expand our understanding of Sangam-era settlements in the region.
First Piper 