Which of the following ancient archaeological sites in Kerala has provided substantial evidence of early iron working and specialized bead manufacturing during the Megalithic period?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Pattanam, located near North Paravur in Ernakulam district, has been systematically excavated by the Kerala Council for Historical Research, unearthing extensive evidence of ancient indigenous metallurgy, iron slag, and semi-precious stone bead production alongside Mediterranean amphorae. Sites like Marayoor feature dolmens and rock paintings rather than primary industrial bead workshops. Vizhinjam was known mainly as an early historic port, while Kodumanal is situated in neighboring Tamil Nadu. Pattanam stratigraphy reveals continuous occupation from the Iron Age to the early historic maritime trade epoch.