INNOVATIVE WORK REPORT

                                                          INNOVATIVE WORK

                                                ENDURING ARCHAEOLOGY:
                     REMNANTS OF PRE-HISTORIC CULTURES IN KERALA

Introduction

              In the process of writing of history in India, there was a premeditated neglect of South India as such. This historical trend later on got rectified with the adding up of more and more historical events and sources fixing the inevitable position of South India. However ,in the Archaeological map of India, South India had a decisive role to play , when the antiquity of the entire subcontinent was established dating back to about a million years with the discovery of Palaeolithic tools from Pallavaram in Tamil Nadu in 1863 (R.B.Foote). This epochal discovery thus changed the course of pre-history of India and also the antiquity of humankind who lived in Indian sub continent, thus brightening up the dark ages of Indian Prehistory; thus putting India on the world map of Prehistory.

            Though this was the case, Kerala as a geographical and anthropological entity was cornered from the pre-historic (Palaeolithic) map of India until 1974. The hostile environment and non –discovery of any Palaeolithic evidences was hypothesized to be the reason for Kerala’s ‘isolation’ in prehistoric studies. Though remnants of other prehistoric cultures , largely of Megalithic ,were identified since 1819,the lack of evidential source belonging to early ages berefted Kerala of its archaeological antiquity. The discovery of a Paleolithic tool in 1974 (Rajendran) had the answer for this impasse, which etched Kerala’s identity in the Prehistoric atlas of India.

             Subsequent discoveries and explorations further reiterated the uniqueness of Kerala’s prehistoric culture. Certain recent discoveries are decisive ,such as the exploration of Palaeolithic tools under sea-bed and the  like, sufficing to redefine or critique the geographical ,anthropological , historical and archaeological theories on Ancient Kerala.

Purpose of the work

                     Prehistory/archaeology  is an area which is seldom touched upon or sidelined by the academia in the school curricula, other than a passing indication , no detailed description is endeavored in school levels. The essentials of prehistory, the initial findings of human habitations and their subsistence, culture, art, livelihood, industry, burial are much interrogative and needs more detailed study, hence to be appreciated for the present and posterity.Archaeology and prehistory are much interest provocating to the students and hence they need to be documented, particularly of South India and Kerala, which remains as the cradle of humankind in India.The richness of prehistory and archaeology of Kerala and innumerable recent discoveries has added it to the World map of prehistory.Henceforth this discoveries and facets of kerala’s prehistory and archaeology , which remained hidden are to be brought to the upcoming generations, so as to aware them of their rich heritage and explorations of the kind  and for the liking of the subject.The relevance of the work lies at this ‘exposure’ of  these not so deliberated field of Keralas prehistoric heritage and its recent explorations, by documenting it through the innovative work.

 The pages of this innovative work intends to reveal the milestones and peculiarities of the prehistory of Kerala until the currently explored ones. These remnants of the early men are keys to unlock the mysteries on the life of early humans in Kerala.

The decisive discoveries from the primary to the most recent ones, all have many firsts to be credited and added in the prehistoric chronicle of Kerala, the newer ones further supplementing or rectifying the existing notions of early life here. The latest discoveries of Rock arts (Piralimattom), Anthropomorphic motifs (Tuvari), Lion figurine, Palaeolithic tool from under sea-bed, Neolithic axes with Brahmi scripts, Iron ingots and motifs, burials etc. has redacted the historical /archaeological/ anthropological theories in vogue. New chapters in human life, its existence, settlement, subsistence, culture, beliefs, technologies, etc., are being incorporated. These discoveries are strong enough to fill up the existing gaps in the writing/understanding of Kerala’s prehistoric past through experiments and conjectures. Several skeptical queries have been countered and more awaits.

 The antiquity of Kerala’s prehistory dating from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age could be established on the perusal of this work. The prehistoric culture leading to an advanced settled stage can be seen at Muziris (in archaeological point of view), where the remnants reveals of the continuation of Iron age phase (supported by presence of Iron age artefacts /antiquities).Thus a continuing phase of human settlement could be traced.

This endeavor thus efforts to lay in front a summary of the archaeological evidences, capable enough to comprehend the prehistoric culture of Kerala, also setting its vision wide open to upcoming excavations touching the core of human history in Kerala, through its self narrating pages.

COMMUNITY LIVING CAMP - PHOTOS

Community Living Camp Photos

 

Poverty - Video

PPT-POVERTY AND EDUCATION

http://www.slideshare.net/achujose735/poverty-and-education-55169741

CLASSROOM PRACTICAL - HISTORICAL PLACE, AMMAVEEDU

                     

   Practicum on

   AMMA VEEDUS OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

      (travancore)

      SUBMITTED BY:

Alphonsa Joseph

             Social Science

                                                    

 INTRODUCTION

 

The Amma Veedu, extending from West Fort to Enchakkal along the road side of the Arattu Road, in Trivandrum houses the Amma Veeu’s. The abode of the consorts of the Maharajas of Travancore, popularly known as the Amma Veedu’s not only depict the legacy of age old royalty, but peeps into an not so explored history of family relations, cultural assimilation, traditional customs, and above all untold tales of royal interactions in Travancore. They are not mere structural remnants, but reveal an account of the life of the consorts of Maharajas, their siblings and relatives, extending to numerous branches; now in oblivion.

   
 HISTORY
 

The earliest account of the Amma Veedu is ascribed to or dates back to A.D.426 (found in ME 825) in the Attoor Copper Plate inscription of Veera Udaya Marthanda Varma, which grants the privilege of Uranma of the Keralapuram temple to Keraladicha Varma of Karyathurai or the Karyathurai Tampi. The Karyathurai (in Kanyakumari region) is regarded as the ancestral or original Amma Veedu from which was branched off the other existing Amma Veedus. The branched ones settled at various regions such as Kulachel (initially) and thenceforth in Tiruvattar,  Arumana, Vadasseri etc. The houses thence upon came to be known in the name of the place where it was originally placed, once they were shifted to Thiruvananthapuram (on the shifting of the capital of Travancore from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram).

It is customary for the Maharajas of Travancore to marry from either of the Amma Veedus. Nair ladies either from Amma Veedus or adopted to the respective Amma Veedus become the consort of the Maharajas. The Rajas are not permitted to marry outside the four major Amma Veedus; if a case of marrying from other than the Amma Veedus occur or the bride (the lady the Maharaja intend to tie the knot) is from other Nair family, it becomes customary to adopt the lady to either of the four Amma Veedus and only then the marriage is solicited. 

However the other Princes marry from Amma Veedus other than the major ones. Not only the bride is adopted, her relatives including mother, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts are also adopted and bestowed with privileges and properties. The members of the Amma Veedu is titularly called as ‘Tampis’(males), ‘Tankachis’ and ‘Kochammas’(females). The lady who becomes the consort of the Maharaja is thenceforth revered with the title –‘Panapilla Ammachi’ or ‘Kochamma’. 

Once the bride from the Amma Veedu is conferred the ‘Pattum Parivattavum’ (the marriage ceremony), she becomes the wife of the Maharaja thenceforth known as Ammachi. She is bestowed with palatial residences, properties and privileges. The off springs of the couple reside at the Amma Veedus enjoying similar privileges, which were hereditary. They received due honor amidst the society on being the wife and children of the ruler and were often influential in policy making of the government. (Earlier instances suggest the influence of the Ammachis and Tampis upon the Maharaja on crucial administrative decisions)

The establishment of the four major Amma Veedus in Thiruvanathapuram, other than its original one in Kanyakumari is credited to Kartika Tirunal Rama Varma alias Dharma Raja, who had four wives from each of the four Amma Veedus. 

The major Amma Veedus in Thiruvananthapuram are- Arumana, Vadasseri (Vadasseri Padinjare), Nagarcoil and Tiruvattar Amma Veedus (Later construction include the Tanjavur Amma Veedu).These Amma Veedus situates on the either sides of the Royal Arattu Street to Enchakkal, on the West of the Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Since the time of the Maharajas from Dharma Raja to Moolam Tirunal Rama Varma, married from either of the four Amma Veedus. There are also few other Amma Veedus in Thiruvananthapuram, in distant regions far from the capital city.

  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The visible remnants of a rich past of any erstwhile princely state are its Palaces and buildings of marvel. Here the Royal Palaces and Amma Veedus thus stand as proud monuments of a rich era, encompassing its architectural grandeur, enriched with royal lineage and customary tradition of a vintage episode in Travancore history. 

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The prominent and illustrious position adorned by the Travancore royal ladies could thus be illumed through these remnants. More specifically it divulges on the reverence and exalted position the rulers of Travancore had bestowed upon their consort/better-halfs, thus also preserving the tradition of matrilineal system of inheritance that Travancore pursued since antiquity.

The self imposing mansions or Amma Veedus on the either side of the road are dazzling with its extensively rich wooden panelings, gables, gothic styled structures, protruding Mukhappus/niche and thus is a splendid combination of the European and Kerala style of Architecture. Initially these were typically Kerala style residences, with its characteristic Naalukettus/Ettukettus and additional features. It was only in the latter half of the 19^th century that the colonial and native styles were adopted.

Apart from the lineage of a royal blood, the inmates of the Amma veedus were highly talented and their contributions to the socio-political & cultural scenario of Travancore are praise worthy. Commencing from the great composer poet Irayimman Tampi, the line of achievers, both male and females from the Amma veedus excelled in fields of sports, public welfare, transport, art, literature etc.

Thus to know about the historical significance of the Travancore Royal Family and its Amma Veedus are highly significant for the history of Travancore. This study aims to focus on the origin, history and functions of the Amma Veedu and its importance in the Travancore history. The Amma Veedus are unique in its architectural style, is a mixture of Kerala and European styles remains as an artistic one in the history of Travancore.