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Context:
Archaeologists in Tamil Nadu discovered a terracotta sarcophagus in Kilnamandi village (Tiruvannamalai district). The deposit (charcoal from a funeral pyre) was dated via AMS radiocarbon method to 1692 BCE, placing it in the Late Harappan period
About the Sarcophagus:
- What it is:
- A terracotta coffin used for burials, containing charcoal, pottery, and grave goods.
- Provides insights into burial practices and socio-cultural life of ancient Tamilakam.
- Where it was found:
- Site: Kilnamandi village, Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu.
Key Findings:
- Evidence of Trade Links
- Carnelian beads found in the burial were sourced from Gujarat and Maharashtra
- Suggests long-distance trade between southern India and northern Harappan centres during the late Harappan period
- Graffiti Marks and Cultural Links
- Potsherds around the sarcophagus carry graffiti symbols: fork-like shapes, semiconcentric circles in U-formation, vertical strokes with wavering lines
- Parallels found between Tamil Nadu graffiti and Indus Valley markings: ~90% similarity
- Dating pushes the graffiti tradition in Tamil Nadu back to 17th century BCE
- Archaeological Insights
- Grave goods suggest complex societal structures and possibly clan-specific burial practices
- Other objects: iron tools, pottery finds, indicating technological advancement and material culture