Did the Mediterranean region of megalithic age have any links with the state of Kerala in southern India?
A wide range of megalithic burials recently discovered in some northern districts of Kerala during a research project have thrown light on
possible links between the Mediterranean and Kerala coasts in the prehistoric stone age that occurred between 6000 BC and 2000 BC.
The researchers, however, say further studies and analysis are required to establish the thesis.
Interestingly, the finds were unearthed at a time when the researchers have firmly established the maritime links between the Mediterranean region with Kerala since ancient times.
Archaeological remains like shards of Roman amphora have recently been dug up from Pattanam near Kochi, close to the ancient port town Muziris, known locally as Kdoungallur.
The recent study was done by V P Devadas, principal investigator, as part of a project of the University Grants Commission on 'Megaliths of
Kerala' in the northern districts of the state.
His explorations in parts of Palakkad, Wayanad and Idukki have yielded a large number of port-holed cists, dolmens, menhirs, iron implements, etc.
which are considered to be have been used by the navigators of Kerala who migrated from the Mediterranean region by sea route.
"Though scores of megalith burials have been dug up from these sites, the most significant among them is the port-holed cist," said Devdas.
Draped with snow and down with gloomy wintry
weather, Beijing came alive this weekend with blazing Bollywood music, film and classical Indian dances mostly by Chinese artists at an Indian consumer show here.
Hundreds of Chinese shoppers thronged to a well lit lobby of the lounge of a busy mall decorated with a life size picture of Taj Mahal and draped with tri-colour buntings at 'Incredible India Consumer' show where students
of the Indian Cultural Centre enthralled them with scintillating dance and songs from latest Bollywood movies.
As the well trained artists draped in Indian costumes danced to A R Rehman's 'Jai Ho' tune with Taj providing the back drop, several Chinese shoppers occupying every inch of space were seen swaying to the lively music.
"The weather is so cold outside I feel very much revived and entertained by the Indian music and dance. These dancers look so beautiful," said Ija Li who watched the event, inaugurated by Indian Ambassador S Jaishankar.
Besides the music and dance, the audience were treated to a demonstration of Yoga as well as Indian dishes like somosas, Chicken tikkas
and other Indian delicacies masala chai supplied by the Taj Pavilion, an Indian restaurant run by Mumbaite, Manosh Pastakia, who made the Chinese
Capital, his home for over 18 years.
The dancers themselves were excited over the opportunity to perform specially before their home audience.
"I am very excited to dance here" said Jang Chang Jing, who calls herself by Indian name Akshara.
An Accountant by profession, she learnt Kathak at the Indian cultural centre under her 'Guru', Ashok Chakravarthy.
Her colleagues Karishma (Indian name) and Chang Xia Jing said the Incredible India show provided them a good platform to demonstrate their skills.
Besides classical dances, they also danced to Bollywood numbers like 'Bumbro' from 'Mission Kashmir', 'Deedi tera devar deewana' from 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun'.
The show called "Namaste India" under the banner of Incredible India Consumer show was conducted by India Tourism office based in Beijing.
"We have been conducting numerous shows all over Beijing and China to build up India awareness campaign and the response is very good," Shoeb Samad, Director of India tourism said.
As the event was in progress, dozens of Chinese women and even some men watched with curiosity, trained ladies putting 'mehandi' on visitors hands. A large number of Indians based in Beijing too attended the show.