Clarification on Media Reports Concerning Keeladi Excavation Report

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued a formal response to recent media reports regarding the publication of the Keeladi Excavations report from Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu. The ASI emphasizes the rigorous process involved in publishing excavation reports, asserting that claims of negligence in the publication of the Keeladi report are unfounded. The organization stresses the importance of expert vetting and corrections before any report is finalized for public release.

Publication Process of Excavation Reports

The ASI follows a structured process for publishing reports from archaeological excavations. After excavators submit their findings, these reports are sent to subject experts for review. This vetting process is crucial, as it ensures that the reports meet the necessary academic and scientific standards. The experts provide feedback, which the excavators must incorporate before the reports can be published as Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India (MASI). This meticulous approach reflects the ASI’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in archaeological documentation.

Clarification on the Keeladi Report

In the case of the Keeladi report, the ASI has confirmed that it was indeed sent for expert review. However, the excavator has not yet made the necessary corrections as suggested by the experts. The ASI’s statement highlights that the delay in publication is not due to a lack of interest but rather a result of the required revisions that have not been completed. This clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions regarding the ASI’s commitment to publishing the findings from the Keeladi site.

Response to Media Claims

The ASI has strongly denied the misleading narratives circulating in some media outlets. Officials assert that the portrayal of the ASI as uninterested in the Keeladi report is a misrepresentation of the facts. The Director General and other ASI officials recognize the significance of the excavation site and are dedicated to ensuring that all reports undergo thorough vetting, editing, and proofreading before publication. The ASI urges media outlets to accurately represent the complexities involved in archaeological reporting and to refrain from sensationalizing the issue.

Call for Responsible Reporting

In its communication, the ASI has called on the media to engage in responsible reporting by understanding the intricacies of archaeological processes. The organization encourages journalists to conduct comprehensive investigations into technical subjects like archaeology to foster a more informed public discourse. The ASI believes that a deeper understanding of these processes will lead to more accurate and respectful coverage of archaeological findings. For further inquiries, the ASI has provided contact information for Ms. Nandini Bhattacharya Sahu, Joint Director General, to facilitate communication and clarification.

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