Scientific Study Suggests Ancient Floods Led to the Abandonment of Keezhadi Settlement
New research using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating suggests that the ancient urban settlement of Keezhadi in Tamil Nadu was buried by a high-energy flood event over a thousand years ago. Researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory and the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology analyzed sediment layers covering brick structures. The study found that the burial occurred around 1,155 years ago, related to the Vaigai river's flooding. This discovery provides a timeline for when the settlement was damaged or abandoned, shifting the focus from the construction of the buildings to the environmental factors that ended their use.
Key Points
- OSL dating measures the time since mineral grains were last exposed to sunlight, helping date burial events.
- The study identified layers of silt, sand, and clay that indicate a significant flood from the Vaigai river.
- Keezhadi's 'urban-like' structures include brick walls, channels, and drainage systems mentioned in Sangam literature.
- The findings highlight how fluctuating wet and dry periods in the Holocene influenced ancient South Indian civilizations.
Exam Facts
- Dating Method: Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL).
- Location: Keezhadi, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu.
- River: Vaigai River.
- Burial Date: Approximately 1,155 years before present.
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