WEAVING INDUSTRY

WEAVING INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY The six carbon samples collected from the fourth season ( ) of excavations at Keeladi were sent to Beta Analytic Lab at Miami, Florida, USA for AMS dating and the reports have been received. The Report reveals that the sample collected at the depth of 353cm goes back to BCE . The bricks unearthed in Keeladi excavations are similar in sizes to that of other excavated sites of the Sangam Age with the ratio of : : . This reveals that the Tamils had mastery of the construction technology. Discovery of spindle whorls, sharpened bone tips (used in pre-historic times as needle to make designs on clothes), hanging loom weights, made of stone or baked clay, copper needle, reveals the engagement of people in cloth making at different stages of spinning, warping, weaving and dyeing. Bos indicus Horns COMMERCE Excavation has brought to light beads of agate and carnelian. The raw materials for the making of these beads could have been probably brought from North West India through Maharashtra and Gujarat. In uniqueness red earthenware unearthed in Keeladi are akin to Arretineware used in Rome in 2nd century BCE. Graffiti LITERACY Spindle Whorls Brick Walls AGRARIAN SOCIETY AND CATTLE REARING kuvira ³ -āta[ ³] Rouletted ware (Indigenous) XI History - Lesson - - Evolution of Society in South India Figurines made of terracotta representing human beings( ), animals( ) gamesmen (chessman) and toys ( ) and ear ornaments ( ) have been found. The occurrence of artefacts such as dice, hopscotches and gamesmen, really reflects the lifestyles and the pastime activities of the ancient people. The flat portions of the potsherds were generally grounded and the edges were smoothened to bring a round shape locally called 'sillu'. They were used by children as game pieces. The occurrence of gold ornaments(seven pieces), and copper objects in bits and pieces, beads of semi precious stones and glass, bangles and combs made of ivory and shell, indicates the cultural richness and economic prosperity in the region. The beads accounting to , include beads of glass, paste, quartz, faience, agate, carnelian and terracotta.