Archaeological evidence proves North Africa, West Asia links
Published April 30, 2008 | 
Apr 30: A latest archaeological excavation has added more value to the historical significance of kerala, which dates back to over 2000 years. The excavation was conducted as part of the Muzuis Heritage programme. The botanical remains were found near the water logged area of Pattanam.
Bollard, canoe, rope made using plant fibre, pepper, paddy, teak, coconut shell, frankincense and cardamom were found, they are believed to be 2000 years old. M.D.Kajale, Paleobotanist of Deccan College of Archaeology has collected the samples of these organic remains for further examination.
According to a statement released by the Kerala Council of Historical Research (KCHR), the samples will also be send to research laboratories in India and other countries for confirming the exact period the organic remains belongs to. The research work will get complete by April 30 and the trench is open to public on April 29 and April 30.
P.J.Cherian, director of the project said that the layer of clay that covered the organic remains, prevented it from getting oxidised and allows it to withstand several years. The research led by KCHR is a joint effort of Southern Naval Command, State Department of Archaeology and Archaeological Survey of India. Under water excavation is also part of this research.
The excavation gives a clear indication that the area was inhibited continuously between 8th century BC and 10th century AD. Among the excavated findings are the pot shreds from Sassania and Parhia. Other things that are excavated were burnt bricks, glass beads, relics of wharf and clay utensils. Seven copper coins and a lead coin of the Chera period were also excavated.
12th International Film Festival of Kerala concludes
Published December 15, 2007 | Thiruvananthapuram, December, 15
The 12th International Film Festival of Kerala concluded on a high note yesterday, with the Argentinian film ‘XXY’ directed by Lucia Puenzo and the Iranian film ‘10+4’directed by Mania Akbari sharing the Suvarna Chakoram award for being the best film of the festival. Apart from all the movie makers and film critics, many other dignitaries were present to grace the occasion. The awards were distributed by Chief Minister of Kerala V.S.Achuthanandan to all the winning recipients.
It was the Hong Kong film ‘Getting Home’ directed by Yang Zhang which clinched the audience award and the best Asian Film award. Meanwhile the FIPRESI jury award went to the Portuguese film ‘Sleep Walking Land’ directed by Teresa Prata. And the Malayalam film ‘Ore Kadal’ directed by Shyamaprasad won the best Malayalam film award.
Manya Akbari won the Rajatha Chakoram for the best director and Lucia Puenzo walked away with the best debut director crown. These awards were adjudicated by a panel of eminent persons headed by the Iranian film-maker Jafar Panahi. It was informed that the Suvarna Chakoram award carried a cash prize of Rs10 lakh, while the Rajatha Chakoram carried a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh.
This eight day long film festival featured many film from various languages and attracted a huge number of film lovers from all over the world to participate. The festival also helped many budding movie makers to show off their talent in a big platform, now all are looking forth for the next Kerala Film Festival.