Remnants of ancient civilisation at Peraiyur

Peraiyur near Kamuthi could be holding treasures like Keezhadi, according to amateurs at the Ramanathapuram Archaeological Research Foundation.

Recently, they discovered microlithic tools, Sangam period brick structure, Roman roulette ware shreds and Chinese potsherds at the site.

Foundation president V. Rajaguru, a teacher at SSAM Government Higher Secondary School, said he and other members K. Muniasamy, also a teacher and T Sankar, an engineer, had collected a host of artefacts and antiques during their 6-month-long field exploration at ‘Thidal kaadu’, ‘Semman kaadu’, Sengamadai Raja temple and ‘Kalungu’ Muniappasamy temple in the Gundar river bed at Peraiyur.

As the examination of the artefacts revealed that they belonged to four different periods – Microlithic age, Megalithic age, Sangam period and Medieval period, the foundation believed that the site, especially the sprawling 50 acre ‘thidal kaadu’ could be a hidden treasure trove of ancient civilisation and archaeological importance, he said.

The team members found a brick structure in the Sengamadai Raja temple area on the bank of Peraiyur tank and a brick measuring 30 cm in length, 17 cm width and 6 cm tall, Mr Rajaguru said. They also made a huge collection of green, red and glass beads, ivory pendants, black bangles, stones for making beads and terracotta ear lobes, he said.

He also added that the collection could point to the existence of a beads factory at the site.

High quality Roman roulette wares, decorated black and red wares, whetstones, sling stones, iron arrows, terracotta stand, terracotta pipe, perforated shreds, pyramid shaped potsherds with graffiti, rubbing stone, celadon, porcelain, Chinese wares, garlic shaped beads, spouts and knobs were collected at the ‘Thidal kaadu’ area on the bank of Ragunatha Cauvery canal from Peraiyur to Anaiyur, he said.

They also collected fascinating microlithic age quartz, jasper, crystal made of ‘soft stones’ at the site.