Documenting the hands behind the Keeladi excavations
The Hindu
Artist V. Saranraj spent a year in Keeladi, photographing the workers involved in measuring and digging the site, and collecting and cleaning historical artefacts
The archaeological excavations at Keeladi in Sivaganga district have brought to light the existence of urbanisation in the Vaigai river valley as early as 6th century BCE. Now, an artist has documented the lives and work of the men and women who have been involved the excavation work at the historical site.
Titled ‘Keeladi,’ artist V. Saranraj’s photographs, which are displayed as part of the Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) Edition-III at the Roja Muthiah Research Library at Taramani in Chennai, have visually documented the role of these workers in the excavation and the steps involved in the process before historical artefacts were finally presented.

“Through several targeted attacks against the minorities in the name of religion, the BJP and the Sangh Parivar organisations are on a mission to fragment the State into religious segments,” said Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan. He headed the protest organised by VCK here on Monday against the BJP and Sangh Parivar organisation for inciting violence based on religion. Speaking there, he said, “The RSS’s plan is specifically to turn Hindus into paupers and the Sangh Parivar organisations through intimidating the minorities, have been trying to incite communal frenzy in the State.”












