Archaeologist dismisses ASI’s objections on Keeladi report| India News

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**Revised Title:** Archaeologist Stands Firm on Keeladi Report, Slams ASI's 'Unprecedented' Evaluation **Revised Article:** Archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna has strongly defended his 982-page report on the Keeladi excavation site, rejecting the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) demands for changes. In a letter to the ASI, Ramakrishna maintained that his chronology of the site's excavation was based on careful consideration of primary sources and followed established methodology. The ASI had evaluated Ramakrishna's report, citing ambiguities and recommending changes. However, Ramakrishna questioned the ASI's internal committee, which he claimed had not provided valid reasons for the changes. He also pointed out that the committee had not visited the Keeladi site, making their evaluation questionable. Ramakrishna stated that the procedure adopted by the internal committee was unprecedented and that every report submitted by an archaeologist was usually subjected to proofreading for errors. He accused the committee of relying on AI-generated feedback rather than scholarly evaluation. The archaeologist also expressed surprise that the ASI had asked him to rework his report multiple times, despite his initial response in March 2025 stating that he had followed established principles and methodology. Ramakrishna wondered why the Keeladi report was being singled out for changes. The Keeladi excavation report has been a subject of controversy, with the DMK government and the ASI at odds over the site's antiquity and cultural significance. The report, which dates the site to the 8th century BCE to 3rd century CE, has been dismissed by the BJP and RSS as not serving their ideological script. Ramakrishna's letter has reignited the debate over the Keeladi report, with the archaeologist standing firm on his findings and accusing the ASI of attempting to supplant his research. The controversy highlights the need for transparency and scholarly evaluation in archaeological research and the importance of preserving the integrity of historical findings.