Date:27/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092758220200.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Pattanam excavations important, says expert

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The findings of the Muziris Heritage Project from excavations done at Pattanam near Kodungallur is the evidence of one of first globalisation attempts, P.J. Cherian, director of the Kerala Council for Historical Research, has said.

He was delivering the keynote address after inaugurating the two-day national seminar on the ‘Heritage of Cochin: Contributions of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British’ at St. Albert’s College here. The archaeological evidences from Muziris project are key in understanding the East-West relations. Dr. Cherian said that the heritage site at Muziris would soon find its place in the world heritage map.

Robert Stanley, Principal of the College, presided. Clement Valluvassery, Manager; K.P. Thomas, Head of Department of English, and Edward Edezhath, coordinator of the seminar, spoke.

Dr. Cherian presented an overview of the Muziris excavations. Vijayalakshmi presented the details of the trade centres in Kochi before the advent of the Portuguese. K.S. Mathew of IRIS research centre, Tellicherry, detailed the Portuguese connection in the coronation ceremonies of Kochi kings.