Excavations in Anappara, near Kochara in Idukki, India, have revealed a bustling trade center dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) confirmed the presence of an early historic settlement spanning the pre-Iron Age and Iron Age periods. Artifacts unearthed include ceramics, iron objects, glass and stone beads, and ornaments.
Around 379 iron objects, including arrowheads, spearheads, knives, and sickles, were discovered. The presence of iron slag and ore indicates iron production at the site. Ceramics found include black and red ware, as well as russet-coated and painted varieties.
Researchers also found 236 glass beads, including red and green Indo-Pacific beads, suggesting maritime trade connections. Significant finds include 45 etched red carnelian beads and 51 etched white carnelian beads, the latter typically associated with Harappan culture. Black-etched white carnelian beads were discovered for the first time in South India.
The settlement's location suggests an understanding of environmental factors, with stone terraces constructed to prevent soil erosion. The site may have served as a conduit between the east and west coasts during the Indo-Roman exchange period.