Rare furnace found at Keeladi: New clue to ancient Tamil iron industry
July 24, 2026
New discovery strengthens evidence of ancient Tamil iron production during the Sangam period.
The 11th phase of excavations at Keeladi has uncovered a furnace believed to have been used for iron production—one of the season's most significant archaeological finds.
The furnace offers fresh evidence of the technological sophistication and industrial capabilities of ancient Tamil society during the Sangam period.
Excavations across nearly 1.5 acres and nine trenches suggest Keeladi was not just a residential settlement but also a major centre for manufacturing and craft production.
Archaeologists also unearthed a large red ware storage pot, a smaller black-slipped pot, and fragments of several ceramic vessels. The larger pot was recovered intact.
The intact storage pot has been dated to the 3rd century BCE through comparison with similar artefacts found during earlier excavations at Keeladi.
The furnace was likely used to process iron ore at high temperatures, helping produce knives, sickles, agricultural tools, and other essential iron objects.
Earlier excavations uncovered iron objects and industrial debris. The discovery of a furnace now provides direct archaeological evidence that iron-working took place at Keeladi.