Anushka.JulietA small panchyat town in Coimbatore district that’s always looked down for its dump yard, no one would have thought Vellalore would have a prehistoric story to tell until the state govt initiated excavation at two sites in the locality in April this year.There were, of course, solid reasons for the state to commence excavation activities in this not so popular Tamil Nadu town – accidental findings of Roman coins as early as the British era and surface-level prehistoric evidence during various development works.Vellalore was one of the eight sites listed under the state’s comprehensive archaeological excavations and scientific research project in the 2025-26 state budget. And within two months into the excavation, the state department of archaeology has unearthed at least 500 artefacts from Vellalore, underscoring the state’s intuition that it’s a potential excavation site.The excavation at Vellalore aims to establish trade links of the ancient city with Rome and other countries. Two sites on two parcels of private land near the Noyyal riverbank are being excavated. One of the sites, which is located along the road, is designed to have nine trenches, of which five have already been worked. The other site that’s located on a coconut farm is designed to have two trenches, which also have been dug up.Artefacts unearthed so far include glass bangles, shell bangles, a sickle, and a spindle whorl. In addition to this, many potsherds, bone fragments and copper and iron implements, specifically three coins, have also been unearthed.During TOI’s visit to the site, one of the supervisors said, “Fragments of black and red ware, and red slipped ware are among the potsherds found, indicating a strong link to habitation dating back to more than 1000 years. The excavation began on April 1. We have dug trenches to a depth of two meters. As per the primary observation, evidence of habitation has been found. But we are expecting industrial establishments in the prehistoric period. All the potsherds are yet to be sorted and documented. Their age could be determined only after that.”Dr K Suresh, director, excavation, Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, emphasized that the existence of glass making and iron industry in the region was visible through the slags obtained as part of the artefacts. “Some significant findings like tuyères, a prehistoric blower used in furnaces; iron and glass slags; and a spindle whorl point to an industry that functioned here, but its date line and connection to the Roman trade are what we are yet to establish.”According to him, some of the artefacts yet to be unearthed to establish the trade links include Roman coins, russet-coated painted ware of the early historic level, and Roman porcelain. “We are hopeful of finding these evidence as we dig deep the trenches for another one metre.”Suresh said the three coins unearthed so far would be sent for chemical treatment this week, and the results were expected in the next week. “After the chemical treatment, we shall have a clear picture of its source and its era.”The license period for Vellalore excavation is one year from the date of commencement. However, it could be extended based on the findings.
