05 March 2018

Muziris diary: പട്ടണം(Pattanam )

Pattanam excavation is one of the important part of Muziris heritage project. The site is in a place called Pattanam (or Pattanam Kavala), which is 8 KM from Kodungallur and 25 KM from Cochin (North Paravoor). The site, which lies at the mouth of River Periyar, tells 3000-year-old story of an ancient port city called Muziris.

There were six major port cities, specified in Sangam literature. Among them was Muziris (Muchiri Pattanam). Although Muziris, a long-lost port city, specified in many ancient script, literature travelogues and maps, the exact location of this long-lost port city could not find for a great number of year. Historian argued on the location of this port city, and some say it was the same present day as Kodungallur as the ancient port city. But, depend on the various scripts and travelogue, ground surveys, research and experiments reveals more accurate location of this long-lost port city along with hard historical importance for Kerala. Archaeologists start the excavation to find more proofs about this ancient port with the help of KCHR and locals. Excavation of this site during 2004-2009 reveals much information concerning the importance of this ancient port city.

The evidence found out during excavation points, this port city was