
Adichanallur archaeological site
The Adichanallur Museum, a world-class archaeological endeavor, is set to take visitors on a captivating journey into India’s ancient past. The museum has been built on 2 acres at Keeladi at a cost of ₹18.43 crore. Located 12 km southeast of Madurai city, the hamlet gained an indispensable place in history as a major urban habitation site, unlike many other archaeological sites in the State, after the excavations began in 2015.
The primary objective of the Adichanallur Museum is to establish the significance of the archaeological sites in the Thamirabarani valley. As one of the “iconic sites” identified by the 2020-21 budget proposal, this museum aims to bring to light the rich cultural heritage and historical importance of the region.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) embarked on a unique initiative at the site – covering excavated trenches with toughened glass. This allows visitors to observe antiquities and urn burials dating back as far as 3,800 years in situ, a first-of-its-kind endeavor in India. The artefacts uncovered offer a glimpse into the lives and practices of ancient settlers, adding depth to our understanding of the past.