Bone point, broken piece of gold unearthed by archaeologists at Porpanaikottai

A bone point, which was found by archaeologists at Porpanaikottai in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A bone point, probably used as a tool for weaving, and a tiny broken piece of gold, have been unearthed by archaeologists at Porpanaikottai in Pudukottai district where excavations by the State Archaeology Department have been under way since 2023.

A Sangam-age fort is believed to have existed at the site, situated about 6.5 km to the east of Pudukottai town. The second season of excavation, inaugurated virtually by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on June 18, 2024, is going on in nine trenches at the site.

The excavation, which was suspended during monsoon, resumed on January 20. The bone point was found in one of the trenches at a depth of 192-196 cm. It weighed 7.8 grams and measured 7.4 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter.

A tiny piece of gold found by archaeologists at Porpanaikottai in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The broken piece of gold was found in another trench. Significantly, archaeologists found a gold stud in floral design at the site during the first season of excavation in 2023.

Thangam Thennarasu, Minister for Finance and Archaeology, in a post on X, said the bone point was used by ancient Tamils for weaving. The current and earlier finds at the site were pointers to the rich lifestyle of the ancient Tamils, he said.

“So far 1,743 antiquities, including hopscotches, glass beads and bangles, soapstone beads, crystal beads, iron nails, terracotta wheel, antimony rod, copper coins, rubbing stone, grinding stone, agate beads, spindle whorl, copper nails, carnelian beads, terracotta earrings, and other iron and copper items have been unearthed at the site,” said T. Thangadurai, Excavation Director, Porpanaikottai.