Did an ancient Vaigai flood contribute to Keezhadi’s abandonment?
GS1History · Society · Geography· Ancient & medieval India· Prelims·
Why in news
Researchers used OSL dating to determine that a high-energy flood event from the Vaigai river likely caused the abandonment and burial of the Keezhadi settlement.
Background
Researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (Ahmedabad) and the Department of Archaeology (Tamil Nadu) used optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. The study found that flood sediments covered the settlement's brick walls, canals, and clay floors approximately 1,155 years before present.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TOSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) dating is used to determine the time when sediments were last exposed to sunlight.
- PlaceKeezhadi is an archaeological site in Tamil Nadu associated with the Vaigai river.
- FactThe flood event that buried the Keezhadi structures occurred approximately 1,155 years before present.
For Mains
Q. How do environmental factors like riverine flooding influence the trajectory of ancient human settlements and the interpretation of archaeological records in South India?
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Chronological distinction: Differentiating between periods of human habitation and periods of natural sediment deposition.
- Environmental determinism: Assessing the role of high-energy flood events in the abandonment of riverine settlements.
Keywords: Optically Stimulated Luminescence · Archaeological Interpretation · Environmental Context · Riverine Dynamics · Sedimentology
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