<p>The reported discovery of evidence of the use of iron in some parts of Tamil Nadu as early as the first quarter of the 4th millennium BCE challenges existing assumptions about the origin of the iron age. Till now, the general agreement has been that the Iron Age started in Anatolia in Turkey around 1300 BCE.</p>.<p>The discoveries in Tamil Nadu would push the date back by about 2,000 years. The study also said the complex technology of iron smelting in temperatures up to 1,400° Centigrade was mastered in the region over 5,000 years ago. Last week, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced the findings of archaeological studies which pointed to the earlier existence of an iron age in the state by releasing a report entitled ‘Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu.’</p>.<p>The report is based on excavations in Tamil Nadu around five sites in Sivagalai, Adichanallur, Mayiladumparai, Kilnamandi, and Mangadu. It was the result of work by archaeologists and experts in the state’s archeology department, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and various universities.</p>.India's Iron Age began in Tamil Nadu 5,300 years ago: Report.<p>The findings are supported by technical analyses and validated by reputed international institutions. If universally accepted, these findings will mark a significant achievement in Indian archaeology and create a chronology for the use of metals with Tamil Nadu as a pioneer. Since the progress of civilisation is also measured in terms of the use of materials such as stone and metals, the findings could indicate the pioneering and innovative spirit of Tamil Nadu.</p>.<p> Archaeologists have maintained that the Iron Age came after the Bronze-Copper age. The findings from Tamil Nadu would show that the Iron Age started and prevailed for a long time in South India when North India beyond the Vindhyas was in the Copper Age. Excavations in Uttar Pradesh have found evidence of the use of iron in 1800 BCE. This indicates a marked chronological difference in the use of iron between the two regions.</p>.<p>There is more research to be done in the matter and archaeological studies need to be done in more areas to find out the extent and spread of the iron culture. There are also questions to be answered. One of them is about the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age.</p>.<p>The discoveries in the sites span over thousands of years. The iron culture, encompassing innovation and the evolving use of the metal, must have changed during such a long period and this needs to be ascertained with more studies. These studies should cover more areas, including other parts of South India. The Central government and the ASI should take the lead in such studies. The findings have the potential to raise the civilisational profile of the country.</p>
<p>The reported discovery of evidence of the use of iron in some parts of Tamil Nadu as early as the first quarter of the 4th millennium BCE challenges existing assumptions about the origin of the iron age. Till now, the general agreement has been that the Iron Age started in Anatolia in Turkey around 1300 BCE.</p>.<p>The discoveries in Tamil Nadu would push the date back by about 2,000 years. The study also said the complex technology of iron smelting in temperatures up to 1,400° Centigrade was mastered in the region over 5,000 years ago. Last week, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced the findings of archaeological studies which pointed to the earlier existence of an iron age in the state by releasing a report entitled ‘Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu.’</p>.<p>The report is based on excavations in Tamil Nadu around five sites in Sivagalai, Adichanallur, Mayiladumparai, Kilnamandi, and Mangadu. It was the result of work by archaeologists and experts in the state’s archeology department, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and various universities.</p>.India's Iron Age began in Tamil Nadu 5,300 years ago: Report.<p>The findings are supported by technical analyses and validated by reputed international institutions. If universally accepted, these findings will mark a significant achievement in Indian archaeology and create a chronology for the use of metals with Tamil Nadu as a pioneer. Since the progress of civilisation is also measured in terms of the use of materials such as stone and metals, the findings could indicate the pioneering and innovative spirit of Tamil Nadu.</p>.<p> Archaeologists have maintained that the Iron Age came after the Bronze-Copper age. The findings from Tamil Nadu would show that the Iron Age started and prevailed for a long time in South India when North India beyond the Vindhyas was in the Copper Age. Excavations in Uttar Pradesh have found evidence of the use of iron in 1800 BCE. This indicates a marked chronological difference in the use of iron between the two regions.</p>.<p>There is more research to be done in the matter and archaeological studies need to be done in more areas to find out the extent and spread of the iron culture. There are also questions to be answered. One of them is about the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age.</p>.<p>The discoveries in the sites span over thousands of years. The iron culture, encompassing innovation and the evolving use of the metal, must have changed during such a long period and this needs to be ascertained with more studies. These studies should cover more areas, including other parts of South India. The Central government and the ASI should take the lead in such studies. The findings have the potential to raise the civilisational profile of the country.</p>
