An Archaeological Investigation into Shukasandesham, Unnuneelisandesham and Mediaeval Literary Works

Mohammed Muhaseen B. S.1, Ajit Kumar1, Vinuraj B.1 and Reni P. Joseph1

1. Department of Archaeology, University of , Kariavattom Campus, – 695 581, Kerala, (Email: muhasin.muhammed9@ gmail.com, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected])

Received: 25 September 2018; Revised: 17 October 2018; Accepted: 14 November 2018 Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 6 (2018): 739‐755

Abstract: This article is a prelimenary archaeological investigation into the mediaeval Sandeshakavyas or poetic works namely Shukasandesham, Unnuneelisandesham and Manipravalam chambukavyas. Shukasandesham and Unnuneelisandesham elaborately describes the social, cultural, economic and transport modes etc., in southern Kerala during 13th‐14th century CE. The problem oriented archaeological explorations were undertaken along the route traversed by the protagonists in the Sandeshakavyas to verify its authenticity and document archaeological sites and cultural remains along the way.

Keywords: Shukasandesham, Unnuneelisandesham, Southern Kerala, Economy, Transportation, Foreign Trade, Port

Introduction In Kerala, the mediaeval literary tradition has a strong foundation. Mushikavamsa of Atula dated to 11th century CE is said to be the earliest from the region. This work written in speaks of the legend and succession of Mushika dynasty from northern Kerala.

Ramacharitam, written in 12th century CE belonging to Paattu school (folklore ballads) was written using (Menon1978:191). The first Sandeshakavya (message poem) composed in Kerala was Shukasandesham written during the 13th century CE. From the beginning of 14th century CE, a new form of literary tradition emerged in Kerala known as Manipravalam. The compositions in Manipravalam literature used a mixture of Sanskrit and early Malayalam. The Manipravalam literature tradition can be classified into two namely Chambukavyas and Sandeshakavyas. The major Chambukavya works composed during 14th century CE are Ananthapuravarnam, Unniyachi charitham, Unnichiruthevi charitham and Unniyadi charitham. Following the footstep of Kalidasa’s Meghadoot and Lakshmi dasan’s Shukasandesham, Unnuneelisandesham, is believed to be the first Sandeshakavya written in Malayalam during 14th Century CE. ISSN 2347 – 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 6: 2018

The travel narrated in Lakshmi Dasan’s Shukasandesham begins from Rameswaram in Tamilnadu. The narration continues through Pandya kingdom and its capital at Manaloor. The poet states that this land was ruled by Vira Pandyan of Pandya kingdom and it was going through drought. The travel then continues through the region discussing the tribal ethnic groups living nearby. The travel then passes through , Suchindram and Nagarcoil to reach Muraripuram (Thiruvananthapuram).

It then describes the path along the seashore (Figure 1) to reach the renowned trade center and Capital of Venad called Kulapurim (Kollam). The travel then proceeds through Kayamkulam, the capital of Alumthuruth kingdom and enters Vembally the capital of Vadakkumkur rulers. The bird then flies through Vennanadu village and Thrippunithura Brahmin settlement region to reach Irattayambalam (Vayattila).

Figure 1: Travel Route Described in Shukasandesham

Travel then progress through the banks of Periyar to reach Tiruvanchikulam (Mahodyapuram). After visiting Mahodayapuram temple and Kodungalloor Bhagavati temple the messenger reaches the final destination of Thrikkannamathilakom in Thrissur, Kerala.

Narrating the travel route, the work Unnuneelisandesham states that Aditya Varman, the main protagonist of the work after crossing the southern border of Venad (Thovala),

740 Muhaseen et al. 2018: 739‐755 traversed through Thiruvananthapuram to (Figure 2). In his journey between these two destinations in three days, he passes through several rivers and waterways and gives the geographical and other details of certain places. His travel account is a valuable source of information about medieval geographical settings and political boundaries, socio‐cultural musings, trading centers and travel route of Kerala during the 14th century CE.

Figure 2: Travel Route Described in Unnuneelisandesham

Aditya Varman commences his journey, on a palanquin from Sanyanthapuram then visit’s Palkulangara temple and sets sail from Shangummukham to Thrippapoor temple. After paying obeisance at these temples he travels by palanquin to Mutalappozhi (crocodile beach)/(Perumathura) located at the mouth of Kadinamkulam lake then using a ferry he crosses the river and enters the

741 ISSN 2347 – 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 6: 2018

Parvathy‐Puthanar canal to reach a place called Puthidam, (Poothura) which was a prominent market of its time. Consequently, he visits the Janardanaswamy temple at . He later reaches Pozhikkara Devi temple, pays obeisance and passing through Kollam port he reaches Karipookalam palace and halts for the night.

The next day he crosses by ferry and reaches Panmana palace. From Panmana, at Kanneti he crosses the Pallikal River which he states was the border between Venad and Odanadu kingdoms. He has an audience with Kayamkulam chieftain at his palace and then visits the market at Kayamkulam. Subsequently he travels to Kandiyoor Mahadeva temple and by late evening reaches Mattom and sojourns in the palace of the Odanadu chieftain Ravi Varman.

On the third day, he travels to Chennithala and Kaduthuruthy. In this route he mentions of passing through Niranam to reach Thiruvalla where he offers worship at the Shiva temple. Further passing through Muthoor and Nalukodi he reaches Thrikodithanam temple to offer prayers. Departing from the territory of Odanadu he then enters the territory of Thekkumkoor and travelling through and crossing Tiruvanchikaduvu he reached palace of the Thekkumkoor king and meets the local chieftain. After crossing Kandanchira Bridge he reaches Shiva temple. Later in the day he visits Govindapuram temple and then reaches the house of Unnuneeli.

Exploration through the Study Area An archaeological exploration (Tables 1 and 2) was carried out through the travel route mentioned in Shukasandesham and Unnuneelisandesham and in the works of Unniyachi charitham, Unniyadi charitham and Unnichiruhtevi charitham along with the places mentioned in Ananthapuravarnana. The exploration was carried out through the southern districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, , , and Ernakulum in the state of Kerala.

Places mentioned in Shukasandesham and Unnuneelisandesham were archaeologically explored and documented. The exploration yielded temples and inscriptions datable to mediaeval era. The following temples are mentioned in the literary works:

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple Inscription of Aditya Varman: Krishna temple shrine at Padmanabha swami temple has two inscriptions mentioning the name of Venad heir Aditya Varman, the main protagonist of Unnuneelisandesham. One inscription is engraved on the north wall of the Krishna swami shrine and is dated to Saka year 1296 or 1375 CE. The inscription is written using Grantha character and Sanskrit language.

The inscription says that King Aditya Varman alias Sarvanganatha’ constructed at the town of Syanandura (Thiruvananthapuram) the shrine of Krishna, the gosala, a mandapa and the dipika‐griham (Rao1908:251). The inscription praises Aditya Varman as Sarvanganatha (Versatile scholar) and a devotee of lord Vishnu. The inscription engraved on the south base of the Krishna swami shrine also conveys the same message.

742 Muhaseen et al. 2018: 739‐755

Table 1: List of Explored sites Mentioned in Shukasandesham and Unnuneelisandesham Sl. Places Antiquity GPS Remarks No. Mentioned coordinates 1. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Early N 08⁰ 28’ 58.01” Inscriptions of Temple mediaeval E 076⁰ 56’ 42.89” Aditya Varman 2. Punnapuram ‐ N 08⁰ 29’ 03.93” Ancient E 076⁰ 56’ 22.58” Nadavazhi (travel path) 3. N 08⁰ 29’ 15.48” ‐ Temple Construction E 076⁰ 56’ 03.15” datable to 9th century CE 4. Shankumugam Sea Ancient N 08⁰ 28’ 53.06” potsherds of Shore way Travel route E 76⁰ 54’ 45.63” mediaeval and late mediaeval 5. Thrippapoor Temple Temple N 08⁰ 32’ 56.71” ‐ datable to E 076⁰ 53’ 05.35” Mediaeval era 6. Muthalapozhi Ancient N 08⁰ 37’ 48.72” potsherds of Travel route E 076 47’ 04.99” mediaeval and late mediaeval 7. Puthidam Mediaeval N 08⁰ 65’ 40” market place E 76⁰ 77’ 03” 8. Varkala Janardhana Early N 08⁰ 43’ 53.35” potsherds of Swami Temple mediaeval E 076⁰ 42’ 37.08” mediaeval and late mediaeval 9. Edava‐NadayaraGhat Ancient way 08⁰ 45’ 12.68” potsherds of passage passage E 076⁰ 42’ 33.44” mediaeval and late mediaeval 10. Pozhikkara Temple Mediaeval N 08⁰ 48’ 41.69” potsherds of E 076⁰ 39’ 01.39” mediaeval and late mediaeval 11. Kollam port Ancient Port N 08⁰ 53’ 06.06” potsherds of E 076⁰ 34’ 58.36” mediaeval and late mediaeval 12. Kollam Market Ancient N 08⁰ 53’ 06.06” potsherds of market E 076⁰ 34’ 58.36” mediaeval and late mediaeval 13. Neendakara Ancient N 08⁰ 56’ 10.72” ‐ Ghat passage E 076⁰ 32’ 33.70” 14. Panmana Mediaeval N 09⁰ 00’ 28.56” ‐ Township E 076⁰ 32’ 03.66”

743 ISSN 2347 – 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 6: 2018

15. PanmanaSubrhamanya Mediaeval N 09⁰ 00’ 28.56” ‐ Swami Temple Temple E 076⁰ 32’ 03.66” 16. Kunnetti Ancient N 09⁰ 02’ 32.70” Border of waterway E 076⁰ 32’ 16.28” Venad and passage Odanad kingdoms 17. Puliyankulangara Mediaeval N 09⁰ 05’ 44.69” ‐ Krishna temple Temple E 76⁰ 31’ 29.05” 18. Krishnapuram Vishnu ‐ N 09⁰ 09’ 10.54” ‐ Temple E 076⁰ 31’ 29.05” 19. Kayamkulam Market Ancient N 09⁰ 10’ 31.65” Ancient market place E 076⁰ 30’ 04.95” transportation canal and halt station 20. Kandiyoor Mahadeva ‐ N 09⁰ 15’ 13.79” Ancient Temple E 076⁰ 31’ 46.99ʺ transportation canal founded 21. Mattom ‐ N 09⁰ 15’ 30.85” Odanadu King E 076⁰ 31’ 16.79” Ravi Varman’s palace 22. Chennithala ‐ N 09⁰ 16’ 37.39” ‐ E 076⁰ 31’ 16.84ʺ 23. Erumathoor ‐ N 09⁰ 18’ 27.77” ‐ E 076⁰ 31’ 34.08” 24. Erumathoor Shiva ‐ N 09⁰ 18’ 27.77” ‐ temple E 76031’ 34.08” 25. Thrikkurutti Shiva ‐ N 09⁰ 20’ 31.74” ‐ temple E 0760 31’ 43.16” 26. PanayanarkavuBhagavati ‐ N 09⁰ 19’ 56.88” ‐ temple E 76⁰ 31’ 43.16” 27. Alumthuruth ‐ N 09⁰ 20’ 52.01ʺ Residence of E 076⁰ 33’ 10.17” Chirava king Rayayan 28. Niranam ‐ N 09⁰ 21’ 24ʺ potsherds of E 076⁰ 30’ 59” mediaeval and late mediaeval 29. Thiruvalla ‐ N 09⁰ 23’ 00ʺ Ancient E 076⁰ 34’ 03” Brahmin settlement 30. Karinattukavu market Mediaeval N 09⁰ 22’ 53.61” late mediaeval market E 760 33’ 29.02” inscription 31. Thiruvalla Vishnu Ancient N 09⁰ 22’ 24.95” ‐ temple temple E 760 33’ 45.07”

744 Muhaseen et al. 2018: 739‐755

32. Muthoor ‐ N 09⁰ 23’ 50.62” ‐ E 760 33’ 59.11” 33. MuthoorKadavu Ancient N 090 23’ 34.89” ‐ waterway E 0760 33’ 46.87” passage 34. Nalukodi ‐ N 09° 25’ 32.46” ‐ E 760 33’ 44.17” 35. Thrikodithanam ‐ N 09° 26’ 17.55” ‐ E 760 33’ 44.15” 36. Thrikodithanam temple ‐ N 09° 31’ 05.26” Bhaskara Ravi E 0760 34’ 40.94” varmanʹs inscription 37. Manikandapuram ‐ N 09° 31’ 05.26” ‐ Vishnu Temple E 0760 34’ 40.94” 38. Vennimala Temple Ancient N 09° 37’ 49.48” ‐ Temple E 0760 34’ 01.42” 39. Vennimala Palace Remains of N 09° 37’ 49.5” Capital of ancient E 760 34’ 1.45” Thekkumkoor palace kingdom 40. Ettumanoor Shiva ‐ N 090 40’ 25.20” ‐ temple E 0760 33’ 38.37” 41. Kothanalloor ‐ N 09° 43’ 08.46” ‐ E 076029’ 26.22” 42. Kaduthuruthy Ancient port N 09° 45’ 16.92” various canals according to E 760 29’ 09.64” and halts the poet observed 43. Kaduthuruthy kadavu‐1 ‐ N 09° 45 57 19 ‐ E 76 29ʹ 26.81ʹʹ 44. Kaduthuruthy kadavu‐2 ‐ N 09° 46’ 09.06” ‐ E 760 29’ 32.55” 45. Kaduthuruthy Kadavu‐3 ‐ N 090 46 03.28 ‐ E 0760 29’ 26.22” 46. Thiruvanchikadavu Water ghat N 09° 37’ 49.55” ‐ E 0760 34’ 1.49” 47. Govindapuram temple ‐ N 09° 45’ 53.03” ‐ E 760 29’ 56.38” 48. Veeramanikoth Remains of N 09° 45’ 53.28” Final Bhavanam mediaeval E 076 29ʹ 50.67” destination in residential Unnuneelisandes structures ham 49. VayattilaSubhramanya Ancinet N 09° 56’03” ‐ Swami temple temple E 076° 19ʹ 47.42”

745 ISSN 2347 – 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 6: 2018

50. Tiruvanchikulam ‐ N 10° 12’ 36” ‐ E 076° 12ʹ 23.32” 51. Mathilakom ‐ N 10° 17’ 34” Final destination E 076° 09ʹ 49” in Shukasandesham

Table 2: Explored Sites Yielding Potsherds Sl. No. Site Name Co‐ordinates 1 Kovilthottampally N 08 ̊ 59’ 43.00”, E 076 ̊ 31’ 22.95” 2 Chekkadi N 08 ̊ 19’ 42.64”, E 077 ̊ 04’ 13.37” 3 Kulathoor N 08 ̊ 19’ 59.19”, E 077 ̊ 06’ 32.99” 4 Kazhumthitta N 08 ̊ 17’ 50.04”, E 077 ̊ 05’ 49.82” 5 Charottukonam N 08 ̊ 19’ 51.63”, E 077 ̊ 06’ 57.59” 6 Thekkekunnu N 8 ̊ 35’ 36.28”, E 076 ̊ 49’ 12.57” 7 Anjuthengu N 08 ̊ 39’ 46.0”, E 076 ̊ 45’ 52” 8 Puthenthoppu N 08 ̊ 36’ 43.06”, E 076 ̊ 48’ 19.12” 9 Varkala N 08 ̊ 43’ 58.83”, E 076 ̊ 42’ 32.06” 10 Pozhikkkara N 08 ̊ 48’ 41.69”, E 076 ̊ 39’ 01.39” 11 Thangasseri N 8 ̊ 52’ 54.23”, E 076 ̊ 34’ 6.70” 12 Parappuram N 8 ̊ 47’ 36.21”, E 076 ̊ 39’ 50.27” 13 Mukkam N 08 ̊ 50’ 04.66”, E 076 ̊ 38’ 01.35”

Figure 3: Inscription at Pozhikkara Figure 4: Inscription at Kollam Temple Ganapathi Temple

Varkala Janardanaswamy Temple Inscription: Inscription of Padmanabha is engraved on the south base of the central shrine. The inscription is written in the Vattezhuth alphabet and Tamil language. The inscription is dated in Kollam era 427 (1252 CE). The name of the king is given as Padmanbhamarthanda Varman Thiruvadi and the inscription records the reconstruction of Varkala temple. The inscription says ‘officers of the king Padmanbhamarthanda Varma built a central shrine made of stone

746 Muhaseen et al. 2018: 739‐755 at Varkala Janardanaswamy temple. Reconstruction had been done from adisthana to uttara of the temple and the vimana was covered with copper sheets. Renovation to the mukhamandapa was also done and stones were paved in the courtyard constructed by the king.

Pozhikkara Bhagavathy Temple Inscription: The inscription is engraved on a stone slab located inside the temple premise (Figure 3). The inscription is dated between 12thor 13th centuries CE (Ayyar 1930:58). The core content of the inscription is the gift of land to the temple by a person named Pirayantakan of Paravur. The inscription also mentions the amount of goods that was needed to be donated to the temple by the land owners. The ‘council of three hundred’ of Venad is assigned to supervise and document the rental of land and donations to the temple.

Ganapathi Temple Inscription of Jayasimha alias Vira Kerala Varmanat Kollam: The inscription (Figure 4) is written in Grantha or early Malayalam characters and it is composed in 1496 CE and speaks of the renovation done in the temple by the king (Rao 1908:26).

Kandiyur Inscription of Raman Kodavarman: The inscription is dated to 1217 CE (Kollam era 393). The inscription describes about reconstruction of the temple conducted by the Odanadu governor Raman Kodavarman and other royal families who contributed to the temple reconstruction. The inscriptions mention about a lady named Unnikalattiram of Kandiyur, who is described as relative of Venad king Ravi Kerala Varman. The inscription also states that ruling families like Odanadu, Udaisiramangalam, Sravirapperumarrani, Kurungudi, Venad, Kurandipalli, Korranadu, Kaduvur, Marram, Megur, Mullaicheri, Mulalumodi, Marannadu, Nandamanaichcheri, Muttampalli, Vallonnavalppalli and Madiman were involved in the reconstruction of the temple (Rao1908:408).

Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple Inscription: Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and located in Thrikodithanam in , Kerala. The temple finds references in ancient Tamil texts like Divyaprabhanda dating to 8th ‐9th centuries CE. The temple houses inscriptions of Bhaskara Ravi Varman of later Chera kingdom. Inscriptions of Bhaskara Ravi Varman dates between 992 CE and 1010 CE.

Other Inscriptions Found along the Route Kadinamkulam Temple Inscription of Keralavarman: Kadinamkulam Mahadeva temple is located in Kadinamkulam, Thiruvananthpuram district. The temple is located between Shankhumugham and Perumathura, mentioned in Unnuneelisandesham. The temple has an inscription dated to 1215 CE mentioning Venad king Rama Kerala Varman of Kizhperur family (Figure 5).

Munro Office Inscription Kollam: The Munro office inscription is engraved on a stone in to the north‐east corner of Munro building in Kollam. The inscription is written in

747 ISSN 2347 – 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 6: 2018

Tamil and dates to 1478 CE. The inscription describes order of a king to rename a street in Kollam as Sembaga gram teru alias Anjinanpugalidam. There is no mention about the name of the king but it says he encamps at Tirunelveli.

Figure 5: Inscription at the Adisthana of Kadinamkulam Temple

Kaduthuruthy Church Inscription: The Kaduthuruthy Valiyapalli in Kottayam Dist. houses an inscription dating to 1590 CE describes about the reconstruction of the church by the church authorities lead by Mar Abraham Metran (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Inscription at Kaduthuruthy Figure 7: Inscription at Church Karianattukavu

Explored Ancient Market Places Described in Sandesha Kavyas The market places that are described in Shukasandesham and Unnuneelisandesham explored and documented include:

Kollam Port and Market: Shuka sandesham and Unnuneelisandesham describes Kollam as one of the largest port towns of Kerala. Ships from China and Arab lands were anchored at the shores of Kollam and the market place was flooded with various kinds of goods according to the verses in the poem. Foreign travelers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta who visited Kerala during medieval times also affirms that Kollam was a renowned port. Unnuneelisandesham says that three kinds of boats were used for goods transactions at

748 Muhaseen et al. 2018: 739‐755

Kollam. They are Chinese chonkam boats, Chambrani and Chonadan (Kunjanpillai 1996:207). The Chonkam boats referred here is Chinese Junk boats. Barbosa also had similar views about the Chambrani boats, he says ‘champani’ boats were used by the Arab travelers to move to goods from inland or shore to the ship (Sastri 2001:311). Unnuneelisandesham says, Chonadan boat sail to and fro all the time and it possibly means that it acted as a connecting boat with the mother ship anchored at the sea. Chambrani is another type of boat used and it is a corrupted form of Samban boats of the merchants. An inscription of Unni Kerala Tiruvadi dating 1454 CE mentions “Samban and Uru boats were used for transportation of goods”(Ayyar1927:176). The inscription further adds that“… a commission of one panam was permitted to be levied on each Samban boat’s cargo sold.” (Ayyar 1927:176). The archaeological explorations at Kollam met with different kinds of Chinese ceramics, Chinese coins as well as indigenous potsherds.

Chamakadda Market: Chamakkada is an ancient market place and goods transportation center in the suburbs of Kollam port town. The water canal near by the market helps to move goods to and fro from the market of Kollam to ships and inland roots of the land.

Figure 8: Canal at Kaduthuruthy

Kayamkulam Market: Kayamkulam market was the main trade point of Odanadu kingdom in mediaeval times. Kayamkulam market and inland water channels boarded and trafficked goods to Kollam port via canals and connected the inland region of the land to the main stream trade centers through rivers, water channels and streams.

749 ISSN 2347 – 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 6: 2018

Karianattukavu Market: Karianattukavu in Ettumanoor was the home to one of the 32 Brahmin settlements in Kerala. The Brahmins of Karianattukavu enjoyed the control of trade in here (Figure 7). Unnuneelisandesham describes Karianattukavu market is one of the crowded and fruitful market places in Kerala. In the verses of the poem Unnuneelisandesham author praises the Karianattukavu market as one of the busiest markets in Kerala flooded with merchandises and buyers. The market was governed by Brahmins and certain privileges were given to them by the ruling class.

Kaduthuruthy Water Ghats and Boat Stations: Kaduthuruthy is described as an important trade center in Shukasandesham and Unnuneelisandeshm. The author of Unnuneelisandesham even adds that Chinese vessels were anchored at the shores of Kaduthuruthy for trade. Geographically Kaduthuruthy is far away from the seashore and the trade must have happened through the present water sources like Kaithapuzha lake, Vemanadu lake and Muvattupuzha River. In land producers was connected to the market place through wide networks of inland water channels which is still observable in Kaduthuruthy region (Figures 8 and 9).

Figure 9: Water Boarding Station at Kaduthuruthy

Thrikkannamathilakom and Thiruvanchikulam: Thrikkannamathilakom (Gunakam) and Thiruvanchikulam (Mahodayapuram) are the two prominent places mentioned in Shukasandesham, Unniyachi charitham, Unnichiruthevi charitham and Koka sandesham.

750 Muhaseen et al. 2018: 739‐755

Shukasandesham and Achicharithams of 13th century CE describes Thrikkannamathilakom as the political center of northern Kerala. Shukasandesham describes Mahodayapuram as the seat of Kulasekhara Perumals (Iyyer1963:88). Kokasandesham of 14th century CE denotes the shift of political center from Thiruvanchikulam to as Permumpadappuswaroopam moved their capital from Thiruvanchikulam to Kochi in 1405CE (Unny1972:3). Thrikkannamathilakom and Thiruvanchikulam in mediaeval times played a significant role in mediaeval . The Later Cheras rule in Kerala was campaigned at Mahodayapuram. The archaeological excavations at Thrikkannamathilakom and Thiruvanchikulam by K. V Soundararajan and State Department of Archaeology in 1969‐1970 season exposed cultural remains of 9th century CE to 11th century CE belonging to the period of later Cheras (Lal1973:15).

Archaeological excavations at Thrikkannamathilakom yielded artifacts like Red ware potsherds, Chinese celadon wares and Chola coins (Lal1973:15). In Thiruvanchikulam Redware ceramics datable to 9th to 10th century CE were also unearthed affirming the cultural antiquity. Explorations at Thrikkannamathilakom and Thiruvanchikulam by department of Archaeology University of Kerala yielded local ceramics datable to mediaeval and late medieval era supporting the successive habitation at Mathilakom and Thiruvanchikulam (Figure 10).

Figure 10: Ceramics from Thrikkannamathilakom (Courtesy: Reni P. Joseph)

Chumaduthangi Stones Observed Along the Travel Route Thirty‐four chumaduthangi stones were documented along the travel route portrayed in Unnuneelisandesham and Shukasandesham (Figures 11 and 12). Chumaduthangi stones of late mediaeval era were erected for bearing or keeping the head load of long‐distance transporters or travelers. Vazhiyambalam structure (Figure 13) and Thottikal (stone water tubs) were also found associated with Chumaduthangi stones. These structures helped the long‐distance travelers; as Vazhiyambalam acted as resting place and Thottikal and well provided water amenities for the travelers. It seems that the travel route mentioned in Shukasandesham and Unnuneelisandesham continued till the late mediaeval times as evident from the distribution of Chumaduthangi stone along the travel ancient travel routes.

751 ISSN 2347 – 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 6: 2018

Figure 11: Maps Showing Distribution of Chumaduthangi Stones Along the Pathway

Conclusion The mediaeval literature works namely Shukasandesham, Unnuneelisandesham, Kokasandesham, Unniyachi charitham, Unnichiruthevi charitham, Unniyadi charithams and Ananthapuravarnam are archaeologically and historically important works which date back to the period 13th century CE to 15th century CE. These literary works have descriptions about various kingdoms of Kerala and their lineages, territories, inter and intra‐regional trade contact of the land.

752 Muhaseen et al. 2018: 739‐755

Figure 12: Chumaduthangi Bearing Inscription

Figure 13: Vazhiyambalam at Varkala

The Sandeshakavyas of mediaeval times describes the journey of a protagonist from one location to another. Unnuneelisandesham portraits journey of Venad heir Aditya Varman from Thiruvananthapuram to Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam. Meanwhile Shukasandesham narrates the journey of a bird or parrot carrying message from Rameshwaram to

753 ISSN 2347 – 5463Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 6: 2018

Thrikkannamathilakom in Thrissur, traveling through various mediaeval villages and Kingdoms. Kokasandesham describes about journey of a bird from Northern Kerala to Kollam. All these three works have vivid descriptions about the places they pass through. Elaborate descriptions about kingdoms, market places, people and their customs were expressed in these poetic works. Other mediaeval works of the period namely Unniyachi charithams, Unnichiruthevi charitham, Unniyadi charitham and Ananthapuravarnam also holds valuable information about the mediaeval society and their interactions.

The trade routes mentioned in Sandeshakavyas were verified through archaeological exploration in the study area. From the explorations in the study area and as gleaned from the data from the Sandeshakavyas and mediaeval literature works it is apparent that the antiquity of the monuments observed along the travel route precedes the antiquity of the Sandeshakavya literary works. The exploration yielded foreign ceramics from the port town of Kollam and surrounding regions. Presence of artifacts like Chinese potsherds, Chinese coins and other regional ceramics confirm the mediaeval foreign trade relations at Kollam.

The archaeological survey through the study area documented epigraphs from temples mentioned in the literary works. Analysis of the epigraphs revealed coherent references to those in the Sandeshakavyas and other mediaeval literary works. Inscriptions give details about various kings, their territories and lineage.

The archaeological explorations in the study area also yielded artifacts of later time period like Chumaduthangi stones, Vazhiyambalam and Thottikal. The trade route seems to have a cultural continuation to later period as evident by the presence of these items along the route.

This preliminary archaeological investigation into Mediaeval Malayalam Sandeshakavyas and other literary works reveal that, apart from being just poetic works, these mediaeval literary works also offers information on the social‐ cultural, political and trade aspects of mediaeval southern Kerala. These works have authentic information about the mediaeval Kerala society and their interactions. The clubbed information of these literary works and foreign travelogues have yielded substantial archaeological artifacts, structures and other interesting evidences.

References Ayyar, A. S. Ramanatha. 1927. Archaeological Series. Vol.VI. Thiruvananthapuram: Department of Cultural Publications. Ayyar, A. S. Ramanatha. 1924. Travancore archaeological series Vol. V. Thiruvananthapuram: Cultural Publications Department. Iyer, S. Rama. 1963. Sukasandesham. Kottayam: National Book Stall. Kunjanpillai, P. N. 1953. Unnuneeli Sandesham Charitra Drishtiyilkoodi. Kottayam: SahityaPravarthaka Co‐operative Society Ltd.

754 Muhaseen et al. 2018: 739‐755

Kunjanpillai, S. 1996. Unnunilisandesam. Thiruvananthapuram: State Institute of Languages. Menon, A. Sreedhara. 1978. Cultural Heritage of Kerala. Kottayam: D C Books. Rao, T. A. Gopinatha. 1908. Travancore Archaeological Series. Vol II. and Vol. III. Thiruvananthapuram: Department of Cultural Publications. Rao, T. A. Gopinatha. 1908. Travancore Archaeological Series. Vol. I. Thiruvananthapuram: Department of Cultural Publications. Sastri, Nilakanta, K. A. 1939. Foreign Notices of from Megasthenese to Mahuan. . Madras University. Unny, C. 1972. Kokasandesham. Kottayam: Free Mithram Book Depot.

755