The State Archaeology Department is in the process of classifying more than 12,000 artefacts found at Azhangakulam in Ramanathapuram district and will send them for carbon dating, an official of the department said.

The department has been undertaking excavations at Azhagankulam and the artefacts found at the site include ivory objects, copper coins, quartz, crystals, iron smelters, furnace, potsherds and terracotta plates, among others.

“These artefacts are now being classified, and will be documented, catalogued, photographed and videographed,” the official said.

“Following this, they will be sent for carbon dating,” the official added.

Last year, the department began its eighth season of excavations.

The Tamil Nadu government had sanctioned ₹55 lakh for the purpose.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Tamil Nadu / by T.K. Rohit / Chennai – May 14th, 2018