The Union government has removed Amarnath Ramakrishna as ASI Director (Antiquity) after his report dated Keezhadi findings to 8th century BCE. This comes amid criticism from Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat, who called the report unscientific.Tamil Nadu CM Stalin defended the report, accusing the Centre of having an “anti-Tamil mindset.” Ramakrishna will now head the less-active NMMA, while Hemasagar Naik, who questioned his findings, takes over the antiquities division.
The removal has sparked sharp reactions from Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK, which has championed the Keezhadi excavations as proof of an advanced, ancient Tamil civilisation.
Party leaders allege that the Centre is trying to suppress evidence of Dravidian heritage to push a different historical narrative. Scholars and activists have also voiced concern, warning that politicising archaeology could undermine genuine scientific research.
