Archaeological Excavation Sites in Theni District: A Study on Iron Age and Early Historic Antiquities in Theni District

Abstract

The Theni district of Tamil Nadu occupies a significant position in understanding the cultural developments of South India during the Iron Age and Early Historic periods. Archaeological evidence from this region, particularly burial monuments and habitation remains, indicates sustained human occupation from prehistoric times onward. Although earlier discoveries were reported during the colonial period and later surveys by scholars of the Archaeological Survey of India and Tamil University, focused and systematic investigation of Theni district remained limited. The present study addresses this gap through intensive field exploration and documentation of Iron Age and Early Historic sites identified at Vaidhyanathapuram, Jangalpatti, Mallayagoundanpatti, Chatrapatti, Dharmapuri, and Lakshmipuram. Using descriptive and comparative archaeological methods, the paper analyses burial typology, associated material culture, pottery assemblages, cup-marks, and settlement indicators. The study situates these findings within the broader archaeological framework of Tamil Nadu and demonstrates the importance of Theni district in reconstructing early cultural trajectories of ancient Tamil society.