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24 August 2026

Archaeological Excavations in Tenkasi

The discovery provides specific archaeological evidence regarding Sangam period culture and script evolution, which serves as useful context for questions on ancient Indian history and epigraphy.

1 min read 1 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Archaeological excavation by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) at Malayadipatti village, Tenkasi district.
  • Discovery of a hero stone inscription dating back to the 5th Century.
  • The artifact was recovered from a brick well with steps, which was utilized during the Sangam period and later repurposed.
  • Hero stone dimensions: 1 meter in length and 0.30 meters in width.
  • The inscription script represents a transitional phase between Tamil-Brahmi and Vattezhuthu.
  • The text identifies the memorial as belonging to Nannang Kodiyan, son of Karukkan Sulagan.
  • The hero stone lacks warrior depictions, consistent with findings at other sites like Pulimankombai, Aappanur, and Mallikapuram.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of hero stone inscriptions in reconstructing the social and cultural history of the Sangam and post-Sangam periods in South India. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
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Prelims

  1. The hero stone inscription recently unearthed in Tenkasi district features a script representing a transitional stage between which two scripts?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-24/archaeological-excavations-in-tenkasi