Early Tamil Culture and Heritage Proceedings (1st International Seminar in Commemoration of Padmasri Iravatham Mahadevan) (2022 March 11 and 12)

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The recent archaeological investigations in Tamil Nadu placed the antiquity of Tamil Nadu on a new academic platform, not only in the field of archaeology but also in the area of epigraphy, numismatic, art, architecture, ethnography. historical linguistics and in aDNA. The task is becoming extremely difficult in integrating the data to give a final shape that provides a kaleidoscopic view of the cultural events. Government of Tamil Nadu has launched several programmes to explore and excavate archaeological sites that could provide valuable insight into the cultural past. Every year nearly eight archaeological sites are being excavated to unreveal the past. These archaeological sites were planned in such a way to fill the cultural gap. The excavated sites such as Kilnamandi, Boothinattam, Gangaikondacholapuram, Porpanaikottai, Keeladi, Vembakottai and Thulukkarpatti spread over entire Tamil Nadu and covering from Neolithic times to Medieval period give a panoramic view on the cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu. Besides, the projects on Rock Art, the documentation of Graffiti and Tamili inscribed potsherds, preparation of Archaeological and Historical Atlas, Korkai Underwater Archaeological Expeditions, consolidation of epigraphical data, conservation of various monuments and artefacts and construction of museums are in progress to show case the cultural landscape to the general public. The Department strongly believes that these integrated activities will help to expose the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

The State Department of Archaeology is envisaged to integrate all the scientific data drawn from different disciplines to get a meaningful picture on the hoary past. The constant debate and discussion is the basic for any meaningful interpretations and also to fine tune the analytical outcome.

Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology was established in 1961 to protect and preserve ancient monuments in Tamil Nadu, and to conduct excavations, to encompass epigraphy, the creation of site museums, chemical preservation of objects, etc., The main focus of the department is research, with the aim of sharing knowledge about Tamil Nadu's ancient cultural heritage by combining field studies.

The Department has been organizing various seminars and lectures to understand the cultural development that has taken place not only in different parts of India but also across the globe.

Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology had organized a Two-days International Seminar on Early Tamil Culture and Heritage in commemoration of Padmasri Iravatham Mahadevan. His contributions in the area of Indus and Dravidian studies are invaluable and immeasurable. He was an Indian epigraphist and civil servant, known for his decipherment of Tamiļi (Tamil-Brähmī) inscription and his expertise on the epigraphy of the Indus Valley Civilisation. This effort is considered to be a more fitting and appropriate way to acknowledge his valuable contribution to the Tamil community.

The 1 International Seminar had been conducted entitled Early Tamil Culture and Heritage on 11th and 12th March, 2022 at Anna Centenary Library, Kotturpuram. Almost 21 articles were presented by national and international scholars during the seminar. Padmasri Iravatham Mahadevan's contribution to Tamil culture and heritage are highlighted in this book through his reminiscences. Experts, archaeologists, historians, and research scholars participated in the international seminar to exchange their ideas and knowledge.

Now, during the 3rd International Conference in commemoration of Padmasri Iravatham Mahadevan articles are published as a Proceedings titled Early Tamil Culture and Heritage.