Branches - Various branches of Department of Archaeology

Branches

Administration Wing
The administration wing of Kerala State Archaeology Department is currently functioning at Sundaravilasom Palace near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.

Exploration & Excavation

The Iron Age burial site at Engandiyur was one of the first sites to be excavated by the Department after the law on the preservation of ancient monuments came into force. The site south of Chettuva yielded burial urns, red terracotta pots, and black and red pottery. Some of the relics are on view at the Sakthan Thampuran Archaeological Museum.

Epigraphy Wing

Kerala is not very rich in inscriptions, when compared to neighbouring states. But many documents have been discovered, interpreted and preserved that are crucial in shedding light on history. Many of the stone inscriptions and copper plates found in this way are helpful in estimating the history from 800 to 1125 C.E. Most of this fall into two broad categories: royal charters and land grants.

Numismatics Wing

Those interested in learning how societies took shape should invariably learn the modes of trade and exchange that existed through the ages. What was originally a barter of goods gradually evolved into the use of coins for goods with a predetermined value.

Folklore & Folk Arts Wing

Preservation of our ethno-archaeological heritage that is threatened by the incursion of modernity and novelty for the sake of posterity and scholarship is an important responsibility of the Archaeology Department.

Publication Wing

A publication wing for the Department was instituted in 1978 in order to disseminate to the public the findings of the Department for study, debate and updating.

Education Wing
Public awareness about the paths the human race has traversed down the ages should help the people themselves become guardians of their heritage.