Film fraternity offers to arrange funds for Keeladi museum land

MADURAI: The film fraternity in Tamil Nadu is ready to collect funds and purchase land in Keeladi for setting up a museum, said director Ameer after visiting the site where Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is once again closing its second successful excavation which brought to light the affluent lifestyle of the people from a civilization that had thrived on the banks of river Vaigai nearly 2,000 years ago.
Many demands have been made to preserve the findings and create a museum for the purpose near the site. Film directors Ameer and Karu Palaniappan said the government should take steps to acquire the land from its owners and maintain the excavated sites as they were proof of the rich heritage of the Tamil people who had lived there.
Karu Palaniappan said that the site was proof that our ancestors had lived a very sophisticated lifestyle where they had their own toilets and proper drainage systems.
Industries had flourished and the people traded with nations as far as Europe. "Why cannot the government that splurges on so many things come forward to protect and preserve this site in its excavated condition for the benefit of the future generations,'' they said.
"We have come to know that an area of two acres is required for setting up the museum and the government is ready to provide 25 cents. We are ready to collect money and purchase the land required for the museum,'' they added.