Keezhadi excavation report: Government explains ASI's review process
On 24 July 2025, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told the Rajya Sabha that the lead archaeologist's Keezhadi report had been reviewed and experts' comments shared before ASI releases an official report.
Summary
Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply on 24 July 2025 that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is following the set scientific process for the Keezhadi excavation report. ASI identified Keezhadi's potential during a survey of the Vaigai river basin and excavated the site in 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17; the excavation is now being carried out by the State Archaeology Department of Tamil Nadu. The report on the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons has been submitted and vetted by experts, whose comments were shared with the lead archaeologist, following a 29 February 2024 order of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directing submission of the report.
Key facts
- Date
- 24 July 2025 (Rajya Sabha written reply)
- Site
- Keezhadi, Vaigai river basin, Tamil Nadu
- ASI seasons
- 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17
- Current excavator
- State Archaeology Department, Tamil Nadu
- Court
- Madurai Bench of Madras HC order, 29 Feb 2024
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The Keezhadi archaeological site, discussed in a Rajya Sabha reply on 24 July 2025, lies in which river basin?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Vaigai
PIB (24 July 2025): ASI identified the archaeological potential of Keezhadi after a survey in the Vaigai river basin.
As per the Government's reply of 24 July 2025, who is currently conducting the Keezhadi excavation?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — State Archaeology Department of Tamil Nadu
PIB: currently, the Keezhadi excavation is being conducted by the State Archaeology Department of Tamil Nadu; ASI excavated it in 2014-15 to 2016-17.