Archaeological excavations at Vellalore in Coimbatore open a window into the past

Ongoing archaeological excavations in the Noyyal river bed at Vellalore in Coimbatore have opened a new window to the past with nearly 1,000 artefacts unearthed in less than four months.

Bangles made of shell and glass, iron tools, various pottery and beads, spindle whorls and terracotta hopscotch marks were among the artefacts put on public display at one of the excavation sites near Theneeswarar Temple in Vellalore on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archeology started excavations on April 1, covering four sites on the south bank of the Noyyal River. More than two meters of trenches were dug in the area near Theneeswarar Temple and two each in the remaining areas. The excavations will continue until October, after which the findings will be documented by the team led by K. Suresh, Excavation Director of the Department of Archeology.

According to Mr. Suresh, the unearthed artifacts are believed to belong to three periods: B.C. From the 1st century to the 3rd century AD, from the 5th century to the 10th century AD.^This 12th century AD and 12th century^This century to the British period.

Fragments of glass bangles unearthed during archaeological excavations at Vellalore in Coimbatore district. | Photo Credit: S. Siva Saravanan

Since the artifacts have not been carbon dated yet, the periods were estimated by comparing them with previous findings that were carbon dated.

It was stated that one of the 4 copper coins found during the ongoing excavations was a British coin, while the others could not be verified yet.

“The findings from the excavation sites confirm the importance of Vellalore as an ancient trading centre, where Roman coins have been unearthed in the past. Vellalore lies on the ancient trade route connecting the west coast and the east coast through places like Vellalore, Sulur, Kathankanni, Kodumanal, Karur, the Chera capital, and Uraiyur, the Chola capital,” said Mr. Suresh.

According to previous findings, the Roman coins found in Vellalore date back to B.C. It belonged to the emperors who reigned between the 1st century and the 4th century AD.

“I am very happy to witness the excavations and findings,” said VK Baladhandapani, retired school principal and author of ‘Kalanthorum Vellalore’.

More than 1,500 people visited the excavation site on Sunday and saw the artifacts exhibited by the Department of Archeology.