The first phase of excavation at Vembakottai on the banks of Vaipar river near Sivakasi, which is expected to be one of the most revealing archaeological sites in the region, was launched by minister for archaeology Thangam Thennarsu on Wednesday.

• Two decorated pendants — one ivory and the other terracotta — were found during the archaeological excavation under way near Vembakottai.
• The first phase of excavation, being undertaken by Tamil Nadu State Department of Archeology, began in March.
• So far, over 700 antiquities have been discovered during the excavation being held at Uchimedu along the left bank of Vaippar river.