Archaeological research in India after independence has been steadily increasing, thanks to the universities introducing archaeology as a subject at Master’s Degree level. Tamil Nadu is no exception to this Several ancient sites viz. Kanchipuram, Arikamedu, Uraiyur, Kaveripattinam, etc., have been excavated, bringing to light exhilarating vestiges and evidences glorifying the culture of the Tamils. This book presents a rapid survey of the results of the excavations and explorations in Tamil Nadu carried out both in the pre and post-Independence days, Besides providing a topographical background of the area concerned, the book deals with the Stone Ages highlighting the results of the digs in the Korttalaiyar valley for the Palaeolithic times, the excavations at Paiyampalli and sites in Dharmapuri District for Neolithic levels. The Iron Age of Tamil Nadu is well represented, apart from the evidence from Paiyampalli, by the characteristic burial monuments excavated ad the iron repertoire. Sometimes during the closing century of the pre-and the beginning of the Christian era, the development of script for the Tamil language is attested. Early historical period, commencing a couple of centuries before Christ and lasting for about four centuries in the A.Ds. may be considered as the Augustan Age of Tamil Nadu, as confirmed by the excavations and so elaborately described in literature. The author has correlated the excavated remains with the literary data, viz. the Sangam classics; a commendable attempt. The book is well illustrated with maps, line drawings and photographs.
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