Pazhassiraja Museum, Kozhikode, is one of the important archaeological museums of the Malabar region. This museum is housed in the East Hill Bungalow, built in 1812 under the supervision of Thomas Harvey Babur, the Malabar Collector of the British East India Company.
This is the bungalow where the British Collectors of Malabar and, after independence, Kozhikode Collectors lived until 1970. William Logan wrote his famous book, ‘The Malabar Manual’, in this building, which witnessed many historical events. On September 11, 1855, Malabar Collector H.V. Conolly was assassinated on the premises of this bungalow.
Galleries that illustrate the story of Malabar's long cultural heritage await visitors in this museum. The museum is set against the backdrop of the examples that have been overcome step by step since the beginning of human habitation.
Various stone tools from prehistoric North Kerala, megalithic iron implements, pottery and beads are the main exhibits here.
A large collection of remains from burial sites that characterise the Megalithic culture is displayed. It includes Nannangadis, pottery, centuries-old sculptures, hero stones, etc. Many objects that illustrate the history of mediaeval Kerala, particularly Malabar, such as stone inscriptions, coins of various kingdoms, weights and measures in use during and after the Chera period attract researchers. The history of the epigraphy study in Malabar, the evolution from Vatezhuthu to modern Malayalam scripts, etc. can also be understood from here. The museum holds great information about political administration, trade, worship, etc. The political details envisage a transition from Chera times, naduvazhi, colonial invasion, invasion of Mysore, to Malabar rebellion. Malabar's great trade history and its resultant colonial occupation are also revealed in the galleries. Besides this, the systems of worship in Kerala, the construction history of temples and mosques and the activities of basal missions are also depicted here.
The Iron Age pottery, iron weapons found in Poduvachery, Kannur and Tripangot, Malappuram and the Megalithic remains found in many parts of Malabar are very attractive.
Coins and mints from the excavations of Feroke Tipu fort and artefacts from the Harappa culture can be explored in this modernly designed, extensive museum. These Harappa artefacts were handed over to the Kochi Archaeology Department in 1948 by Mortimer Wheeler, who was the head of the Archaeological Survey of India. The museum also has the facility to learn about the development of the Malayalam language and get familiar with the writing of ancient scripts. It also provides facilities like a souvenir shop, a reference library and a conference hall.
Visiting Time: 9.00-5.00
Ticket Time: 9.00-4.30
Holidays: Monday, National Holidays
Ticket Rate
Adult-25
Children-5
Mobile Phone Camera-15
Camera-60
Video Camera-520
Telefilm-10500
Feature Film-26500
Parking Fee:
Four-Wheeler-20
Two-Wheeler-10
Address: Pazhassiraja Museum, East Hill, Kozhikode, 673005.
Phone: 0495 2384382
