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Buried deep beneath coconut groves in South India’s Tamil Nadu state lies Keeladi, an ancient settlement whose 2,500-year-old remains are igniting a fierce debate over India’s history. Archaeologists, politicians and linguists have clashed over what Keeladi means — for identity, heritage and the story we tell about the past.  India’s first major civilisation, the Indus Valley, thrived between 3300 and 1300 BCE in the north and central regions. After its decline, the Vedic period arose lasting until the 6th century BCE. This era saw the emergence of cities, kingdoms and Vedic culture, laying the foundations for Hinduism. Urbanisation in ancient India is often framed as a northern phenomenon, with the narrative of northern Aryans bringing “civilisation” to the Dravidian south. Could these new discoveries challenge that narrative? Joseph Keen has been speaking to Sowmiya Ashok, a journalist and writer working on an upcoming book called “The Dig.” 

Sowmiya's Instagram for updates on The Dig: https://www.instagram.com/sowmiyashok.writes/?hl=en

Also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNKxfFpEKV8

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