Correct Option
The correct option is Kodumanal.
Explanation
Kodumanal is a significant archaeological site located in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu. It represents a habitation-cum-burial site dating back to the Megalithic and Early Historic periods. It is identified with the place 'Kodumanam' mentioned in the Sangam literary work Padirruppattu.
Detailed Analysis
- Kodumanal (Correct): Excavations at this site have revealed it was a major industrial centre. Archaeologists discovered a bead-making industry involving precious and semi-precious stones such as beryl, quartz, sapphire, and agate. Additionally, the site provided evidence of iron-smelting furnaces, highlighting its importance in metallurgy and trade during the Sangam Age.
- Madurai: While Madurai was the capital of the Pandyas and a significant cultural and commercial centre, it is primarily known as a political and literary hub rather than a specialized industrial site for bead manufacturing in the archaeological context.
- Puhar (Kaveripattinam): This was a major port city of the Cholas, crucial for maritime trade. While goods were traded here, the primary archaeological evidence for the manufacturing of beads is associated with Kodumanal.
- Uraiyur: The capital of the early Cholas, Uraiyur was famous for its cotton textiles and weaving industry, not specifically for stone bead-making.
Key Takeaway: Kodumanal is the premier archaeological site in Tamil Nadu known for its industrial complex, specifically for iron smelting and the manufacturing of beads from semi-precious stones.