ASI excavations at eight Tamil Nadu sites

1. Question 1Answer D

   On 13 March 2026, the ASI cleared excavation at how many Tamil Nadu sites?

   • AFive
   • BEleven
   • CFifteen
   • DCorrect answer: Eight

   Core Trigger: The ASI cleared excavation at eight Tamil Nadu sites on 13 March 2026.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 1

2. Question 2Answer B

   Pattinamarudhur, one of the cleared sites, lies in which district?

   • ASivaganga
   • BCorrect answer: Thoothukudi
   • CTenkasi
   • DCuddalore

   Sites: They include Keeladi in Sivaganga, Pattinamarudhur in Thoothukudi and Karivalamvanthanallur in Tenkasi.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 2

3. Question 3Answer C

   Vellalore, among the cleared sites, lies in which district?

   • ASalem
   • BVillupuram
   • CCorrect answer: Coimbatore
   • DCuddalore

   More Sites: Others are Manikollai in Cuddalore, Adichanur in Villupuram, Vellalore in Coimbatore, Telunganur-Mangadu in Salem and Nagapattinam.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 3

4. Question 4Answer B

   Earlier Keeladi finds pointed to an urban settlement dating to about when?

   • A2000 BCE
   • BCorrect answer: 580 BCE
   • C100 CE
   • D500 CE

   Key Finding: Earlier Keeladi finds pointed to an urban settlement dating to about 580 BCE.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 4

5. Question 5Answer D

   The ASI, which approves such digs, works under which Union Ministry?

   • AMinistry of Education
   • BMinistry of Science and Technology
   • CMinistry of Tourism
   • DCorrect answer: Ministry of Culture

   Stakeholders: The Archaeological Survey of India approves such digs; it works under the Union Ministry of Culture.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 5

6. Question 6Answer C

   Keeladi lies on the plain of which river near Madurai?

   • AKaveri
   • BTamiraparani
   • CCorrect answer: Vaigai
   • DPalar

   Venue: Keeladi lies in Sivaganga district, on the Vaigai river plain near Madurai.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 7

7. Question 7Answer D

   In which year was the ASI founded?

   • A1784
   • B1904
   • C1958
   • DCorrect answer: 1861

   Founded: The ASI was founded in 1861 and is the custodian of centrally protected monuments.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 8

8. Question 8Answer B

   Adichanallur, near Thoothukudi, is known for what?

   • ARock-cut cave temples
   • BCorrect answer: Iron Age burial urns and graves
   • CMegalithic stone observatories
   • DSangam-era harbour docks

   Landmark: Adichanallur, near Thoothukudi, is known for its Iron Age burial urns and graves.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 9

9. Question 9Answer C

   Which Act requires a licence for excavation?

   • AAntiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972
   • BIndian Treasure Trove Act, 1878
   • CCorrect answer: AMASR Act, 1958
   • DEnvironment Protection Act, 1986

   Statute: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 regulates excavation, which needs a licence.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 10

10. Question 10Answer A

    1. Article 49 directs the State to protect monuments of national importance. 2. Excavation is the careless removal of surface soil without recording. Which is/are correct?

    • ACorrect answer: Only 1
    • BOnly 2
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2

    Definition: Excavation is the systematic digging and recording of buried remains to reconstruct past human life.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 316, point 12

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