The Tamil Nadu Science Forum emphasised the scientifically-backed evidence of the Keeladi excavation and urged the Union government to release the report filed by archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna.  

They released a report on the importance of Keeladi excavation during an event conducted here on Thursday.  

The report stated that the findings of the archaeological department were based on scientific research involving discoveries based on contemporary scientific techniques and have been proven with evidence.  

As a basic principle, the findings too could be subjected to further evolution, it added. 

“The ongoing archaeological study at Keeladi is being conducted with more advanced technology than even the genetic testing employed in Indus Valley (Harappa –Mohenjodaro) excavations,” it stated.  

The study has employed sophisticated scientific methodologies such 10×10 meter trenches for stratigraphy, meticulous collection of every stratum, soil sieving to retrieve micro-artifacts, drone surveys, carbon dating and multi-disciplinary collaborative research.  

P. Pavel Bharathi, Founder, Vaigai Archeological and Cultural Forum, said, thy did not accept the Government of India’s assertion that Keeladi could not be dated before 300 BCE. 

“We believe that human DNA studies from skeletal remains found in burial urns (a practice dated to around 850 BCE) in Konthagai will shed further light, especially since segments of the ancient African ancestral mother’s maternal genetic lineage are found in the Uthiyan Cheral Irumporai community of Usilampatti (Virumandi),” he added.  

Virumandi, a man from Tamil Nadu, carries a significant genetic marker (M130) that links him to the earliest modern human migrations out of Africa, dating back approximately 70,000 years.  

This discovery, made by geneticists from Madurai Kamaraj University, suggests that South India was one of the first places where these early humans settled.  

The M130 marker is found in other non-Africans as well, but Virumandi’s DNA provides a strong link to this ancient migration.