Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu): Numerous artefacts have been unearthed in a tiny village in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district, and locals believe they could provide an insight into ancient Tamil culture.
Swaminathan, a resident of Thirupanjanam village of Andhankudi panchayat in Nagapattinam district, had dug up his land to build a pond. While doing so, he unexpectedly discovered some ancient pots.
Though he stopped digging due to some other reasons, when he resumed the work a year later, much to his surprise, he found additional artefacts buried underneath.
Having immediately informed the Keezhvellore Tehsildar about his findings, Swaminathan, with the help of fellow villagers, unearthed a huge 5-feet pot in an unbroken state.
On further excavation at the spot, archaeologists found other clay artefacts and human bones. The archaeology department took possession of the artefacts and safely stored them at the Tehsildar's office for further study.
"The discovery of artefacts in our village has caught us by surprise. In a similar incident, few years ago, an idol was unearthed while digging up a pond. Also, a statue of Buddha was found in the neighbouring village while clearing land. A lot of pots in a broken state have been discovered from the pond. Likewise, the land presents us with artefacts wherever we dig," a villager said.
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The villagers requested that the artefacts unearthed in Thirupanjanam should not only be safeguarded, but also taken for a higher level of research to throw light on ancient Tamil life not only in their village but beyond as well.
Further, they requested the government to subject the entire area for complete archaeological excavation and research.
