{"product_id":"the-dig-keelad","title":"The Dig: Keeladi and the Politics of India's Past By Sowmiya Ashok","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eA RIVETING, ON-THE-GROUND INVESTIGATION INTO INDIA’S MOST CONTENTIOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY AND THE FIERCE POLITICAL BATTLES SHAPING OUR ANCIENT HISTORY.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eSince its momentous discovery in 2014, the Keeladi excavation in Tamil Nadu has evolved into much more than a routine dig—it has become a national flashpoint, hailed by some as concrete proof of an advanced ancient urban civilization in South India, and dismissed by others as politically motivated mythmaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eIn \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"3\"\u003eThe Dig\u003c\/i\u003e, acclaimed journalist Sowmiya Ashok traces the serendipitous unearthing of this ancient settlement and the massive political and cultural storm it unleashed. Blending sharp journalistic insight with dry humor and vivid reportage, her journey takes readers from the early Iron Age sites of Tamil Nadu to the Harappan expanse of Rakhigarhi in Haryana and the legendary lost port of Muziris in Kerala. Along the way, she sweats under the scorching sun with field archaeologists, clings to rickety platforms at roaring \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"526\"\u003ejallikattu\u003c\/i\u003e arenas, and even tastes ancient pottery shards at active dig sites. Unflinching and deeply illuminating, \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"642\"\u003eThe Dig\u003c\/i\u003e reveals how modern political battles over science, archaeology, and identity continue to rewrite our understanding of India's past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhy this book is a must-have:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFascinating Real-World Subject:\u003c\/b\u003e Dives deep into the Keeladi excavation—one of the most important and debated archaeological finds in modern Indian history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eImmersive Journalism:\u003c\/b\u003e Written with engaging humor, travelogue flair, and rigorous on-the-ground reporting across multiple historic sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Political Insight:\u003c\/b\u003e Explores the complex intersections where ancient history, regional identity, scientific excavation, and contemporary politics collide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eEssential Non-Fiction:\u003c\/b\u003e A must-have for readers passionate about Indian history, archaeology, politics, and cultural journalism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eUncover the stories buried beneath the soil. Add \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"49\"\u003eThe Dig: Keeladi and the Politics of India's Past\u003c\/i\u003e to your collection at \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"121\"\u003eBeetle Bookshop\u003c\/b\u003e today—enjoy \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"149\"\u003e10–14% off\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"164\"\u003eFree Shipping on orders above ₹500\u003c\/b\u003e!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BEETLE BOOK SHOP","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52633398673691,"sku":null,"price":679.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/2150\/0699\/files\/71PGk7yLb5L._SL1500.jpg?v=1784610410","url":"https:\/\/beetlebookshop.com\/kn\/products\/the-dig-keelad","provider":"Beetle Book Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}