Excavations at Perumbalai (2022-2023)

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This comprehensive report details the historic archaeological excavation at Perumbalai of Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu state carried out by the State Department of Archaeology in 2022. The main objectives of the excavation was to study the origin and evolution of ancient settlement, technology and the structural features.

Notwithstanding the importance of the result of the excavation, as briefly, a large number of pot sherds of various types were retrieved from this excavation at habitation mound. As far as the antiquities are concerned limited objects such as semiprecious stone, terracotta, glass, iron and copper were found. The identification of the floor level in most of the trenches at the same level 90 cm from the surface reveals that this working level was used for some kind of industrial purpose. The composition and strength of floor materials and the polishing stones with brick bates found on the floor level confirms the industrial activities. Some aspects of the site like the graffiti inscribed pottery have now been better understood based on the 1028 inscribed sherds obtained from the various layers of the trenches. The Ceramological study infer that the potteries contain a proper ceramic assemblage coincides with the scientific dating obtained through charcoal remains of the trench. The date pertaining to the potteries and inscribed graffiti marks agree with the scientific dating that act as strong evidence which serves as a bench mark for the future studies.

The large quantity of graffiti inscribed pot sherds obtained from this limited excavation needs to be studied in detail like 3D laser profilometry to understand the creativity and origin of various styles and pattern marks in pot sherds. Likewise, pottery with graffiti marks of the adjoining sites also need to incorporate for better results.

I would like to express my enormous pleasure to gratefully appreciate with thank for those involved in the excavation, directly and indirectly, to bring out the buried historical values under the Perumbalai village. Completing excavation work is impossible and also to publish the excavation report without the energetic and sincere academic and technical support from various divisions. We thankfully acknowledge the immense support provided by institutions, research scholars, independent researchers and individuals. Special thanks are due to the Archaeological Survey of India for the approval and permission for excavation.

The present work is impossible without the administrative and financial support of Sri. Thangam Thennarasu, Hon'ble Minister for Finance and Human Resources Management, Sri. K. Manivasagam, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department, Sri. T.Udhayachandran, I.A.S., Principal Secretary and Commissioner (FAC) Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, and Dr. R. Sivanantham, Joint Director,Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology. We thank them all. We express sincere gratitude to Prof. K. Rajan, Academic and Research Advisor, Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology for his help, stimulating suggestions and encouragement that helped us in all time during the excavation works and in writing this report.

The great support from Mr. P. Senthilkumar, Chemist involved in chemical cleaning and the preservation of artefacts and Mr. Selvaganesan, for the Photographic documentation work. Dr. Muthushankar, Dr. Mathan Kumar and his team conducted a LIDAR survey and prepared various maps and plans including contour.

I am grateful and express my appreciation to the Research Scholars who worked in the excavation, Mr. D. Vijay, Miss. M.P. Siddarthini, Mr. Balavignesh and Miss. Divya. The students from the Institute of Archaeology, State Dept. of Archaeology (2021-2022) assisted in the excavation as trench supervisors, pottery assistants and other documentation works. I am gratified by the support from all the students in various fields.

I would like to express my sincere thanks for the support from the Perumbalai village administration office and the villagers of Perumbalai.