Section Overview
Focuses on Keeladi excavation report release (via central advocacy), digital documentation of prehistoric sites, protection of hero stones and water management heritage, and establishment of a world-class AMS dating laboratory in Chennai.
Summary Ratings
| Fiscal Pressure | Economic Benefit | Social Benefit | Implementation Risk |
| LOW | MEDIUM | MEDIUM | LOW |
Proposal-by-Proposal Analysis
The table below provides fiscal cost estimates and impact ratings for the principal proposals in this section.
| Key Proposal | Fiscal Cost Estimate | Economic Benefit | Social Benefit |
| Keeladi full excavation report – advocacy with ASI | No direct state cost. Political/diplomatic effort. | LOW | HIGH |
| Digital documentation of prehistoric sites, hero stones, cave paintings | ₹80–120 cr over 5 years (GIS mapping + digitisation). Comparable Kerala ASI digitisation cost. | LOW | MEDIUM |
| Advanced archaeology laboratory (AMS dating, palynology) in Chennai | Capital cost: ₹50–80 cr; annual operational ₹8–12 cr. No comparable facility currently in South India. | MEDIUM | MEDIUM |
| Tamil inscriptions encyclopaedia – Mysore Estampages project | ₹30–50 cr for digitisation and publication over 5 years. | LOW | MEDIUM |
| Study of Tamil-Australian Aboriginal language/cultural links | Research grant: ₹5–10 cr. | LOW | LOW |
Analytical Notes
⚑ Analytical Note: The AMS dating laboratory is the highest-value infrastructure proposal in this section – it would position Chennai as a regional centre for archaeometric research, serving not just Tamil Nadu but other South Asian states. Comparable facility in Pune (BSIP) has generated significant research income and academic partnerships. Tourism uplift from Keeladi-related heritage tourism could yield ₹500–800 cr/yr in multiplier impact at full development.
