Thavanur uncovers treasure chest of Stone Age

Malappuram: Rare Stone Age structures that may shed light on the bygone civilization which flourished in the Nila river basin have been found at Thavanur in the district.

The recent discovery of a rare memorial cap stone and a menhir, which is a single rock slab installed atop burial sites, from the property of M.A.M U.P School is the oldest-ever archeological sculpture found here so far. A survey conducted by a team from the department of Archeology has confirmed that it dates back to BC 1000. Besides the cap stone, various other stone sculptures and pottery have also been unearthed from various parts of the village, which was a trade route during that age.

The archeology team led by field assistant K. Krishnaraj conducted a preliminary survey in the area and examined the monumental structures. “The finding could lead to more such discoveries of monumental structures and we are planning an excavation in the area soon,” Krishnaraj said. The team will come next week for an extensive survey in Thavanur.

Local history researcher C.V Abdul Naufal had earlier discovered a cave and pottery from here a few years ago. This cave would also be opened and examined by the archeology team soon.

The potteries found at Thavanur have been displayed at the Kerala Museum of History and Heritage at Thiruvananthapuram. The discovery of these prompted the archeologists to carry out further excavations in the area.