Adichanallur archaeological site

Adichanallur is an archaeological site near Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu where burial urns and iron tools from the Iron Age were uncovered. The excavation area follows the Tamirabarani River across a wide zone containing multiple burial fields.

Excavations began in the late 19th century when British archaeologists noticed local reports of pottery being found along the riverbank. Work resumed decades later, revealing weapons and household items that place the burials within the first millennium before our era.

Local traditions link the site to ancient rituals practiced by early Tamil communities who chose this riverbank for their dead. The discovery of inscribed urns shows how people recorded names and relationships on pottery as part of their ceremonies.

Access to the excavation area is controlled because preservation work continues on newly uncovered sections. Visitors should check in advance whether guided tours are available during their stay in the region.

Some of the urns discovered here are large enough to hold an adult body in a seated position. This practice of seated burial inside pottery vessels appears to have been specific to communities living in this river valley.