Archaeological Survey of India

Context: Archeological Survey of India has discovered 12000-year-old artifacts at the Vadakkupattu village in Tamil Nadu.

Key Findings:

• Mesolithic Period: ASI discovered hand axes, scrappers, cleavers, and choppers from the Mesolithic period. They were recovered 75 cm from beneath the surface.
• Sangam Era: They discovered Sangam era (almost 2,000 years ago) artefacts including rouletted pottery, Roman amphora sherds, and glass beads suggesting active commerce with Rome.
• Early and Later Pallavas: They discovered sculptures ranging from the early Pallava period (275 CE) to the late Pallavas on the floor inside the surrounding space (897 CE).

Significance of the findings:

• With these discoveries, Vadakkupattu village site has now become a culturally and archaeologically important site.

Archaeological Survey of India:

• The ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the country.
• The prime objection of ASI is to maintain the archaeological sites, ancient monuments, and remains of national importance.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Established: 1861 by Alexander Cunningham.
• It regulates all archaeological activities as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• It functions under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture.
• It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

Source: Times of India           

Previous Year Questions

Q.1) Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? (2020)

“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”

1. Ashoka
2. Samudragupta
3. Harshavardhana
4. Krishnadeva Raya

Q.2) Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (2018)

1. Chanhudaro
2. Kot Diji
3. Sohgaura
4. Desalpur