The remains discovered from the excavation site at Aanappara in Idukki.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A recent research by the Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) has led to a groundbreaking discovery at Aanappara in Anakkara village, Idukki. Excavations have uncovered the remains of dwellings alongside burial sites. This is the first time in the State’s history that both dwellings and burial sites were found in the same location.
“During the excavation at Aanappara, we discovered evidence of a human settlement, and just 150 metres away, a burial site. While burial sites have been found in various parts of the State before, no conclusive evidence of a nearby settlement had been established until now. This discovery represents a major breakthrough in our understanding of Kerala’s historical past,” said KCHR director V. Dineshan.
The remains discovered from the excavation site at Aanappara in Idukki.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
He noted that the KCHR is actively analysing the recovered artefacts and evidence. “The site contains megalithic burials, including a cist burial found 150 metres south of the settlement, though unfortunately, local construction has caused some damage. Another menhir was identified in Njarakkulam, 2.5 km west of Anappara rock. We are eager to conduct further research to gain deeper insights into the region’s ancient civilization.”
KCHR chairperson K.N. Ganesh emphasised the rarity of such a find in Kerala’s archaeological records. “The excavation provides clear evidence of an early historic settlement on the slopes of Anappara rock. While megalithic burials are abundant across Kerala, settlement remains associated with them have been extremely rare. This discovery fills a critical gap in our knowledge,” he said.
The excavation site at Aanappara in Idukki.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The excavation yielded a variety of artefacts, shedding light on the material culture of the site. Researchers have unearthed pottery fragments, including black and red ware, black ware, coarse red ware, and russet-coated painted ware, iron fragments, terracotta discs, stone and glass beads, and iron slags. Among the most intriguing finds were etched white carnelian beads, which appear to have been intentionally crafted to achieve their distinctive colouration.
Geographical significance
Officials describe Aanappara as a site of unique geographical significance. The massive granite rock formation spans 228 metres north-south and 48 metres east-west at its peak, with a temple situated in the area. The ancient settlement lies on the eastern, southeastern, and northeastern slopes of the rock, while habitation evidence extends westward, beyond the metalled road from Kochera to Chettukuzhi, near Nedumkandam, in Idukki.
KCHR research officer Dineesh Krishnan said the samples will undergo scientific testing to accurately determine the age of the remains. “We can ascertain the precise period of the site only after chemical analysis,” he said.
The excavation was conducted with authorisation from the Archaeological Survey of India, spanning from December 2024 to February 2025. A team by Dr. Krishnan and V. Selva Kumar led the excavation.
Published – March 13, 2025 08:51 pm IST