Kerala’s ancient spice route to be revived with the help of other countries
Kerala Tourism’s ambitious project ‘Spice Route’ is getting close to implementation. As per recent reports the 2000 year old trade route will be revived with the help of other nations, who were part of the ancient trade route. The countries would be sharing information, knowledge and discussing ways to conserve this shared heritage.
Artistic presentation of ancient port in Muzris
Historical records reveal that 31 countries in Europe, Asia and Far East had spice trade with ancient Kerala, including Afghanistan, Burma, China, Denmark, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mozambique, Netherlands, Oman, Portugal and Spain. A journey along the Spice Route is a journey to rediscover some of history’s magnificent stopovers.
Recently the project has been acknowledged by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Netherlands, Portugal, Myanmar, Britain, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iraq, Indonesia, China, and Iran among others will cooperate with Kerala tourism to make the project a reality.
In a meeting at the UNESCO headquarters in Delhi, the representatives from the countries discussed the ways to revive Muziris, near Kochi, which is the beginning point of the spice route.
Old sailing ships
According to sources, archaeological excavations carried out here at Muziris have provided enough evidence to give the Spice Route project a good start. The excavations are proof that Muziris near Kochi did, in fact, have trades with the West during the old days.
This initiative will not only educate people but also open new doors for travel between the east and the west. It is going to strengthen peace between nations and help in promoting heritage.
Renovation and restoration of museums, ports, and heritage structures related to the Spice Route has been one of the major projects of the Kerala government. The first phase is likely to be ready by 2020.
Once completed travellers would be able to explore the ancient port town of Kodungalloor and other nearby areas that used to have trade routes with West Asia, and Europe.
