The archaeological studies of Tamil Nadu so far are primarily based on selective excavations carried out mainly in the prehistoric and early historic sites. No doubt, various scholars attempted in reconstructing the past with help of the data is quite admirable. They took all pain in assembling together all these data but faced difficulties in framing theories due to the inadequacy of the materials which the present volume meets these lacunas.  

The present book is in fact, the result of the author’s seven years of field observations made in the areas ruled by the Sangam Age chieftains mainly covering the Vaigai, Maratar and Gundar river basins of the southern district of Tamil Nadu. This comprehensive study has put the geological wealth and geographical position of a particular region in a better perspective to understand the evolutionary process of the particular culture. The vast archaeological data delineates the settlement pattern of Palaeolithic, Microlithic, Neolithic also Megalithic cultures of the people. Invention of the new techniques, paved the way for permanent settlements. Of this, Stone Age cultures, varies from regional to region. This book describes the significance of archaeological remains of the study area.

About the Author

Dr Pon. Ganesan is presently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ancient History, School of Historical Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai. He obtained his M.A., M. Phil., Ph.D. degree from the School of Historical Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University and also got his Master of Library Science and Master of Tourism Management further from same university. He started his career as a Lecture in Tourism Management in the Madurai University College and later joined as an Assistant Professor in the Department of History, Government Arts College, Karur, Tamil Nadu before becoming an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ancient History, School of Historical Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University. He has a book Art and Architecture in India (Tamil) and a good number of articles and research papers to this credit. He is presently working on a major research project sponsored by UGC.