Rare 8-Foot Iron Age Spear Unearthed in Tamil Nadu, Sheds Light on Ancient Craftsmanship

Tamil Nadu | 27 January 2026 Archaeologists in Tamil Nadu have made a remarkable discovery at Thirumalapuram, nearly 80 kilometres from Sivagalai in Tuticorin district, where an iron spear measuring almost 8 feet has been unearthed. This spear is believed to be the longest iron implement from the Iron Age ever found in India. Experts say the size and structure of the spear make it a unique find in the study of ancient Indian history. According to researchers, the spear may have been used by ancient warriors to protect cattle and wealth, or it could have been a ceremonial object specially made for an important individual. During the excavation, a second spear measuring around 6.5 feet was also found. Both spears were placed in an ‘X’ shape near a burial urn that contained gold objects, suggesting the person buried there held a high social status. The longer spear has a slightly rounded end, which experts believe was designed to make it easier to handle. Archaeologists also found other weapons such as daggers, swords and knives at the site, pointing to advanced metallurgical skills during that period. Reports note that iron preservation at this burial site is unusually good, as iron objects in many parts of India often corrode due to moist soil conditions. Historians believe the discovery proves that Tamil Nadu had highly developed iron-smelting technology between 3000 BCE and 2500 BCE. Producing iron during that time required extremely high temperatures of 1,200 to 1,500 degrees Celsius. To understand the full significance of this discovery, the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology, along with IIT Gandhinagar, plans detailed studies of Iron Age sites across the state in the coming years. These efforts aim to bring global attention to India’s rich and advanced ancient technological Ancient 8-Foot Iron Age Spear Found in Tamil Nadu Burial Site Archaeologists in Tamil Nadu have discovered an iron spear nearly 8 feet long at Thirumalapuram in Tuticorin district. This is believed to be the longest Iron Age iron object ever found in India. Experts say the size and shape of the spear make it a very rare and important discovery. Along with the long spear, another spear measuring about 6.5 feet was also found at the site. Both spears were placed in an ‘X’ shape near a burial urn that contained gold items. This arrangement suggests that the person buried there may have been socially important or held a special status in society. Researchers believe the spear could have been used by ancient warriors to protect cattle and wealth, or it may have been a ceremonial object made especially for a respected individual. The rounded end of the longer spear shows it was carefully designed for handling. Other weapons like swords and daggers found earlier at similar sites show strong metal-making skills. Experts say this discovery proves that people in Tamil Nadu had advanced iron-smelting knowledge between 3000 BCE and 2500 BCE, when iron was made at very high temperatures. The state archaeology department and IIT Gandhinagar will now study more Iron Age sites to better understand this ancient technology and its cultural value.