New findings in the fifth phase of archaeological excavation at Keeladi have found some unique discovery – Terracotta pipelines decked one above the other.
Terracotta is nothing but a type of fired clay which is brownish-red or brownish-orange in color. Such technology is used for the underneath pipeline system long ago itself. It is similar to the present-day pipeline laying system.
Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology members expressed their opinion about the pipelines as they might have used for some different utilities basing on the size of the pipes. Terracotta pipe structure measuring 0.47 meters in depth with 6cm regular gaps were laid with a series of 10 pipes in a row.
This suggested that the pipes were meant for some utility. The pipes were fitted with each other using a rim type. The pipes were laid one above the other with width size varying. Archeologists also found unearthing of roofing tiles arranged vertically at a depth of 0.52 meters.
Also, read: Excavations at Keezhadi of Tamil Nadu connects Indus Valley civilisation
A perforated lid was also found which might have been used as a filter. This lid may also be used to prevent the reptiles from entering into the pipes.
On Tuesday, 22nd October of 2019, Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology Director of Keeladi Excavation, R. Sivanandam to a media report said
This indicates that the pipeline could have been used for carrying protected water,
This one was distinctly different in its shape and dimension from the upper row of pipeline suggesting that it (barrel shaped pipeline) had a different utility,
Apart from this, it could also be surmised that the lid could have been used to prevent reptiles entering the premises through the pipes.
It is known that in the second phase of excavations, the archeologist team found some of the structures built with bricks related to water tubs and open channels for water floating.
The overall summary during these excavations suggests that domestic and foreign rade relations apart from the sign and letter usages by the civilization along the Vaigai river were far more advanced than what we thought of.