THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The history of Idukki is not just the history of migrant farmers. Researchers have found strong evidence of the existence of human civilization from the stone age in Idukki.As part of its ‘Discovering Idukki’ programme, the Idukki district panchayat has set up a District Heritage Museum, a first of its kind in the country, in Kuyilimala near Painavu, which will showcase the historical evidence collected from various parts of Idukki.Finance Minister K M Mani will inaugurate the museum on Monday.The team led by researcher T Rajesh had explored around 53 grama panchayats, Thodupuzha Municipal town area and tribal areas, including Idamalakkudi. The museum showcases the findings of the team which include more than 70 pottery items, 20 iron weapons, burial urns, copper beads etc, which were used from the Megalithic age.The district panchayat has granted Rs 10 lakh for the project. This will be the first museum in the country exclusively for materials from the stone age.Heritage Museum is the effort of T Rajesh, who is the author of the book ‘Idukki Charithrarekhakal’, the first authentic book about the history and evolution of the district, and Alex Kozhimala, District Panchayat president.“We have got evidence of the existence of civilisation from more than 20 sites. We have approached the Archeological Department for further studies into this. The materials are proof that civilization existed from the Stone Age. This was mentioned in Sangam literature,” said Rajesh.“The Heritage museum will be of great interest to researchers as well as tourists to Idukki,” he added.The materials exhibited include weapons like spear, axe and swords, black and red potteries used by Dravidians and light and glossy black vessels.Copper jewellery, bones, stone axe and murals are also exhibited at the museum. The materials in the museum will throw light into the life during the Chera rule too.The museum, located in the serene hilly area in Kuilymala, is expected to be a part of the itinerary of tourists to Idukki. The museum will be opened to public at 10 a m on Monday. Water Resources Minister P J Joseph, P T Thomas MP, MLAs Roshy Augustine, K K Jayachandran, S Rajendran and E S Bijimol will attend the function.
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