Archaeological excavations at Noyyal riverbed in Coimbatore open a window into the past
With about 1,000 artefacts unearthed in less than four months, the ongoing archaeological excavations on the Noyyal riverbed at Vellalore in Coimbatore have opened a
With about 1,000 artefacts unearthed in less than four months, the ongoing archaeological excavations on the Noyyal riverbed at Vellalore in Coimbatore have opened a new window into the past. Bangles made of shells and glass, iron tools, diverse pottery, and beads, spindle whorls and hopscotch markers in terracotta were among the artefacts that were put on public display at one of the excavation locations near Theneeswarar Temple at Vellalore on Sunday (July 19, 2026). The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology commenced the excavations on April 1, covering four locations on the southern side of River Noyyal.
Six trenches have been dug up for over two metres at the location near Theneeswarar Temple and two each at the remaining sites. The excavations will continue till October, after which the findings will be documented by the team headed by Excavation Director K. Suresh from the Department of Archaeology. According to Mr. Suresh, the artefacts unearthed are believed to be belonging to three periods: First century BC to third century AD, fifth century AD to 10th century AD and 12th century AD to the British period. Since carbon dating of the artefacts are yet to be conducted, the periods were estimated by comparing them with previous findings, which had been carbon-dated.
Out of the four copper coins found during the ongoing excavations, one was identified as a British coin and others are yet to be verified. “The findings from the excavation sites affirm the significance of Vellalore as an ancient trade centre, from where Roman coins had been unearthed in the past. Vellalore falls in the ancient trade route that connected the western coast and the eastern coast through places like Vellalore, Sulur, Kathankanni, Kodumanal, Chera capital Karur and Chola capital Uraiyur,” Mr. Suresh said. As per previous findings, Roman coins discovered from Vellalore were of emperors who ruled between first century BC and fourth century AD.
“I am delighted to witness the excavations and the findings,” said V.K. Baladhandapani, a retired headmaster and author of the book ‘Kalanthorum Vellalore.’ Over 1,500 people visited the excavation site and saw the artefacts kept on display by the Department of Archaeology on Sunday.
The BriefWire