The ancient site that has become a political flashpoint in India

The archaeological site of Keeladi in India has become a political flashpoint due to the discovery of remnants from an ancient urban settlement. The excavations have revealed artifacts that suggest the site dates back to the Sangam period, around the 6th century BCE, challenging the previously held belief that urban civilization in the region only emerged much later. The findings have sparked a debate about the origins and development of Tamil civilization, with some claiming it as evidence of a thriving pre-Aryan culture, while others argue that it supports a more integrated view of Indian history. The site has also become a point of contention between different political and ideological factions, as they seek to shape the narrative around the site's significance. The Keeladi excavations have the potential to shed new light on the region's rich history, but the ongoing political debate surrounding the site underscores the complexities and sensitivities involved in the interpretation of archaeological discoveries in India.