P. J. Cherian uncovers 1.3 lakh artefacts at Pattanam revealing global maritime network
GS1History · Society · Geography· Ancient & medieval India· Prelims + Mains·
Maritime trade and ancient global connectivity: a key GS1 History and Culture topic.
Why in news
P. J. Cherian led excavations at Pattanam, uncovering 1.3 lakh artefacts from 300 BCE to 300 CE, revealing a global maritime network.
Background
Excavations at Pattanam were conducted between 2006 and 2023 by P. J. Collaborations with the British Museum, Oxford, and Palace Museum identified a global maritime network and a Roman Emperor Domitian statue.
Facts for Prelims
- PlacePattanam: site of excavations uncovering 1.3 lakh artefacts from 300 BCE to 300 CE
- FactPAMA Institute: continued research at Pattanam until 2023 despite a 2016 disruption
- S&TRoman Emperor Domitian statue: discovered during excavations at Pattanam
- BodyBritish Museum, Oxford, and Palace Museum: collaborated to identify a global maritime network
Prelims practice question
Which statue was discovered during the archaeological excavations at Pattanam?
- (a)Roman Emperor Domitian
- (b)Ashoka the Great
- (c)Chandragupta Maurya
- (d)Han Wudi
Show answer
Answer: (a) Roman Emperor Domitian — A Roman Emperor Domitian statue was discovered during the excavations at Pattanam.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of maritime trade in ancient India's economic and cultural integration with the Roman Empire and East Asia.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Maritime connectivity: Evidence of long-distance trade links between Roman Empire and Indian ports
- Archaeological validation: Use of multi-institutional collaboration to reconstruct ancient global trade networks
Keywords: Maritime trade · Archaeological excavation · Global connectivity · Ancient history · Trade networks
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