Rediscovering the Lost Civilisations of the Thenpennai River Valley
(Archaeological discoveries from Neolithic to Chola period in Tamil Nadu)
In News
Location: Thenpennai (South Pennar) River region, Tamil Nadu — between Tirukoilur and Cuddalore.
Significance: Continuous human habitation from the Neolithic Age to the Chola period, revealing a rich, multi-layered civilisation comparable to Keezhadi, Adichanallur, and Arikamedu.
Background
- The Thenpennai River (also called South Pennar) originates from the Chennakesava Hills ( within Nandi Hills range (Karnataka)) and flows through Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and Cuddalore districts before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
- Tamil Nadu's second-longest river after the Cauvery,the Thenpennai is an interstate river.
Historically known as Dakshina Pinakini, it has supported numerous ancient settlements and was vital for agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange in the Tamilakam region.
The river valley has remained underexplored compared to sites like Keezhadi (Sivaganga district) or Adichanallur (Thoothukudi district) until independent excavations by researcher C. Immanuel since 2012.
Major Discoveries
1. Chronological Span
Findings indicate continuous habitation from:
Neolithic period (c. 3000–1000 BCE) → early settlements and tool use
Sangam Age (c. 300 BCE–300 CE) → urban and trade activity
Pallava–Chola–Vijayanagara periods (c. 6th–16th centuries CE) → political expansion and water systems
2. Key Artefacts Found
Category | Findings | Significance |
Stone Tools | Neolithic weapons unearthed near Thalavanur dam | Early human occupation |
Ceramics & Terracotta | 13 terracotta dolls, 40+ lamps, urns, and pottery shards | Domestic, cultural, and ritual use |
Inscriptions & Symbols | 53 scratched codes and Chola-period Tamil inscriptions | Script evolution and administrative presence |
Water Systems | 150 ring wells, terracotta pipelines | Sophisticated water management comparable to Keezhadi |
Ornaments & Coins | Coins from Sangam, Pallava, Chola, Vijayanagara, and Puducherry periods | Long-term habitation and trade continuity |
Burial Evidence | Distinct north bank burial sites | Clear settlement planning and ritual system |
3. Significant Coin Discoveries
Malayaman Chieftain Coin (Sangam Age): Features a carving of the Thenpennai River — showing its historical importance in Nadu Naadu region.
Other Coins:
Pallava and Chola coins — political control and trade.
Vijayanagara coins — continued settlement and economy.
French (Puducherry) period coins — late colonial interaction.
4. Settlement Pattern
South Bank: Habitation zone (residential and trade activities).
North Bank: Burial ground.
Indicates planned settlement, division of functional spaces, and urban sophistication.
Archaeological and Cultural Significance
Evidence of Early Urbanisation
The presence of ring wells, terracotta pipelines, and inscriptions suggests an urbanised settlement similar to Sangam-era cities like Kaveripattinam.
Trade and Cultural Linkages
Artefacts show interaction between Thenpennai valley and coastal sites like Arikamedu, indicating inland–coastal trade via water transport.
Civilisational Continuity
Cultural material spans from Neolithic tools to medieval Chola artefacts, reflecting long-term socio-cultural evolution.
Epigraphic and Linguistic Insights
The 53 scratched codes may represent early Tamil–Brahmi or symbolic scripts, contributing to the study of script evolution in Tamil Nadu.
Water Management Expertise
Use of ring wells and pipelines highlights advanced engineering and environmental adaptation, paralleling findings from Keezhadi and Adichanallur.
Comparative Significance
Site | Period | Region | Key Features |
Keezhadi | Sangam period | Sivaganga | Urban planning, Tamil–Brahmi script |
Adichanallur | Iron Age | Thoothukudi | Urn burials, skeletal remains |
Arikamedu | Roman period | Puducherry | Indo-Roman trade links |
Thenpennai | Neolithic–Chola | Villupuram–Cuddalore | Riverine settlement, inscriptions, trade coins |
➡️Thenpennai adds a fourth dimension to Tamil archaeology — revealing inland riverine civilisations that coexisted with coastal and urban centres.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. The Thenpennai River archaeological discoveries, recently in news, primarily indicate:
A. Roman trade settlements along the west coast.
B. Continuity of civilisation from Neolithic to Chola periods in Tamil Nadu.
C. Megalithic burials associated with the Pandya dynasty.
D. Buddhist monastic sites in the Deccan plateau.
✅ Answer: B.
Q. With reference to the Thenpennai River, consider the following statements:
It originates in the Nandi Hills and flows eastward to join the Bay of Bengal.
Archaeological findings along its banks show evidence of urban settlements and water management systems.
It was historically known as Pinakini and mentioned in Sangam literature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 3 only
✅ Answer: C.
Q. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Archaeological Site | Significance |
1. Keezhadi | Urban settlement with Tamil–Brahmi inscriptions |
2. Adichanallur | Iron Age urn burials |
3. Thenpennai | Neolithic to Chola artefacts along a riverine belt |
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 2 and 3 only
✅ Answer: C.