2,000-Year-Old Black-and-Red Ware Vessels Unearthed Near Bargur, Krishnagiri

Excavation work carried out to build a temple for a Nadukal (hero stone) at Kandikuppam village near Bargur in Krishnagiri district has led to the discovery of black-and-red ware pottery shards and earthen vessels bearing clan markings, dated to roughly 2,000 years ago.

Detailed Summary

During construction work for a hero-stone shrine on private land in Kandikuppam village near Bargur, workers uncovered small black-and-red ware vessels (5 cm and 10 cm in height), a larger partially broken pot, a broken plate about 1.25 feet in diameter, five horn-shaped clay supports for a jar, and a black-and-red ware pan 32 cm in diameter used as a lid. Clan markings consisting of six segments, associated with a deceased clan leader, were incised on the vessels.

Historical Background

Black-and-red ware (BRW) pottery is characteristic of the Iron Age and early historic megalithic culture of South India, commonly associated with burial practices, hero-stone (Nadukal) traditions, and clan-based social organisation in ancient Tamilagam.

Previous Related Events

Similar megalithic and BRW pottery discoveries have been reported across Tamil Nadu, including Adichanur (Villupuram), Keeladi (Sivaganga), and Kodumanal (Erode), reflecting a widespread Iron Age megalithic culture across the state.

Why Important for TNPSC

Tamil Nadu's archaeological discoveries, especially those relating to megalithic culture, hero stones, and pottery traditions, are a favourite topic in TNPSC's History and Culture of Tamil Nadu sections.

Tamil Nadu Relevance

The find adds to the archaeological record of ancient settlements in the Krishnagiri-Bargur region and strengthens understanding of pre-Sangam era burial customs in northern Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights

• Discovery site: Kandikuppam village, near Bargur, Krishnagiri district.
• Artefacts: black-and-red ware pots, plate, horn-shaped clay supports, and a pan-lid.
• Clan markings (six segments) associated with a deceased clan leader found on vessels.

Important Facts

Important Years and Dates

Reported on July 22, 2026 (excavation carried out the preceding Saturday).

Ministries Involved

Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology.

Organisations and Headquarters

Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology - Chennai.

Related Static GK

Nadukal (hero stones) commemorate warriors who died in battle or defending cattle; black-and-red ware is a hallmark of India's Iron Age megalithic culture (circa 1200 BCE-300 CE).

Important Terms and Definitions

Nadukal: A memorial hero stone erected in ancient Tamil society to honour a fallen warrior. Black-and-Red Ware: Pottery fired to produce a black interior/rim and red exterior, typical of megalithic burial sites.

Exam-Oriented Notes

Remember Krishnagiri/Bargur as the latest addition to Tamil Nadu's list of megalithic/BRW discovery sites alongside Keeladi, Adichanur, and Kodumanal.

Memorization Points

Site: Kandikuppam near Bargur; District: Krishnagiri; Pottery: Black-and-Red Ware; Trigger: Hero-stone temple excavation.

3 TNPSC-Style MCQs

Q1. The recently discovered 2,000-year-old black-and-red ware vessels were found near which town?
(a) Kodumanal (b) Bargur (c) Adichanur (d) Keeladi
Answer: (b) Bargur
Explanation: The vessels were found at Kandikuppam village near Bargur in Krishnagiri district.

Q2. What is a 'Nadukal'?
(a) A type of irrigation tank (b) A hero stone memorial (c) A type of coin (d) A royal decree
Answer: (b) A hero stone memorial
Explanation: Nadukal refers to memorial stones erected for warriors who died in battle.

Q3. Black-and-Red Ware pottery is generally associated with which period?
(a) Mughal period (b) Iron Age megalithic culture (c) Chola period (d) Colonial period
Answer: (b) Iron Age megalithic culture
Explanation: BRW is a hallmark of South India's Iron Age/early historic megalithic burial culture.