Excavations at Kodumanal, Erode, Tamil Nadu During the field season of 2017–18, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carried out systematic excavations at Kodumanal, a habitation-cum-burial site in Erode District, Tamil Nadu. The excavations revealed Early Historic cultural remains dated to approximately the 4th-3rd century BCE. Excavation of the megalithic cist burials brought to light secondary skeletal remains, including skulls and other bones, found in association with a variety of grave goods. These included carnelian beads and iron objects such as swords and knives. The ceramic assemblage comprised Black-and-Red Ware bowls, Red Ware pots, and distinctive three-legged jars. Among the most significant discoveries was an inscribed terracotta seal bearing the reading “lavasa” or “savaha.” Another important find was a potsherd inscribed with the first four vowels - a, ā, i, and ī - in Tamil-Brahmi script. In addition, a substantial number of antiquities in various forms were recovered, including numerous inscribed potsherds as well as graffiti-marked sherds. Source: Archaeological Survey of India