PALANI: Archaeologists have reportedly unearthed a glass bead production unit belonging to the Sangam period, near Palani, recently. This site is believed to be the first glassware-making unit of Tamil Nadu.
An archaeological mission that was commissioned by Pondicherry University vice-chancellor J A K Tareen with assistance from Central Semmozhi Tamil Research Centre and Central Archaeological Department and scholars, was carried out by Rajan, head of department of History, at a few places including Pasimedu, near Poruthal, located 12 km from Palani.
The scholars have recovered over 2,000 glass beads in red, yellow, blue and white from the unit, which might have been established somewhere between the second and third century BC.
In another spot, the research team has found a structure built using bricks of equal dimensions that are similar to the ones found at Sangam period cities Korkai, Poompuhar, Arikkamedu, Uraiyur and Karur. So, it is believed that this place might have been a big town too. In addition, the research team has also unearthed a clay doll, ivory dice, copper coins, earrings and rings made of gold.
A 2,500-year-old stone bunker has also been discovered near Chinna Gandhipuram Nagathal temple. Besides, another bunker built with encircling rocks has been found.
Beads made of cornelian, steatite and quartz, black and red earthenware, glossy black earthenware, an earthen jar (four-legged stand), a beaker, plates and many things of archaeological importance have also been unearthed. Researchers felt that it was quite rare to unearth so many things from a single place.
Many senior archaeologists and Tamil scholars including Tamil University vice-chancellor Rajendran, Archaeological Department researcher on stone carvings Vedhachalam visited the spot.