Tamil Nadu is an integral part of India and its heritage should be celebrated not through divisive sentiments, but through scientific evidence-based knowledge, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Wednesday.

He also reiterated that further scientific studies were needed to validate reports submitted to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) by archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, who headed two phases of excavations at Keeladi in Sivaganga district.

In a post on X written in Tamil addressing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Mr. Shekhawat said, “We have no hesitation in releasing any report. In fact, if such research is scientifically proven, we too would be proud to stand with you. But for it to be accepted by the scientific community, we still need more robust evidence.”

“That is why, instead of rushing to politicise the findings of the excavation, we have requested the Tamil Nadu government to cooperate with the Centre in continuing further research until more scientific evidence is obtained. I don’t understand why the Tamil Nadu government is hesitant to cooperate,” he alleged.