Chennai, Jun 18 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday inaugurated the tenth edition of excavation at the Keezhadi archaeological site and surrounding locations in the state.

While the tenth phase excavation will be carried out in Keezhadi in Sivaganga district, the Archaeology department will dig for relics at Thirumalapuram (in Tenkasi district), Chennanur (Krishnagiri district), Konkalnagar (Tiruppur district) and Marungur (in Cuddalore district) under the first phase, Keelnamandi (Tiruvannamalai district) and Porpanaikottai (Pudukottai district) under the second phase and Vembakkottai (Virudhunagar district) under phase III, a release here said.

Also Read | LVM3 M3 Mission: ISRO's Rocket Body Re-Enters Earth's Atmosphere, Complies With International Guidelines.

The excavations have made a huge impact not only among archaeologists but also among the Tamils across the world. They have firmly established that the Tamils in the sixth century were very advanced, the release said.

Similarly, excavations at Mayiladumparai in Krishnagiri district confirmed that iron was introduced in Tamil Nadu 4,200 years ago. "We still have a long way to go to fill in the cultural and chronological gaps in our glorious, long history with recent archaeological achievements," it said.

Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh on Jimmy Fallon Show Highlights: Singer Makes Host Cutely Copy His Moves Proving His Vibe Is Infectious- Check Best Moments! (Watch).

In order to achieve the goals, it has been planned to cover all parts of Tamil Nadu and excavate the sites of archaeological importance ranging from prehistoric to historic periods, the release further said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)