A substantial portion of Kerala may have been under the sea in

ancient times. Marine fossils have been found in an area

near Changanacherry, thus supporting the hypothesis.[28] Pre-historical
archaeological findings include dolmens of the Neolithic era in
the Marayur area of the Idukki district. They are locally known as
"muniyara", derived from muni (hermit or sage) and ara (dolmen).
[29]
Rock engravings in the Edakkal Caves, in Wayanad date back to
the Neolithic era around 6000 BCE.[30][31] Archaeological studies have
identified Mesolithic, Neolithic and Megalithic sites in Kerala.[32] The
studies point to the development of ancient Kerala society and its
culture beginning from the Paleolithic Age, through the Mesolithic,
Neolithic and Megalithic Ages.[33] Foreign cultural contacts have
assisted this cultural formation;[34] historians suggest a possible
relationship with Indus Valley Civilization during the late Bronze
Age and early Iron Age.[35]

Ancient period[edit]

Kerala has been a major spice exporter since 3000 BCE, according
to Sumerian records and it is still referred to as the "Garden of Spices"
or as the "Spice Garden of India".[36][37]Kerala's spices attracted
ancient Babylonians, Assyrians and Egyptians to the Malabar Coast in
the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE. Phoenicians established trade with
Kerala during this period.[38] The Land of Keralaputra was one of the
four independent kingdoms in southern India during Ashoka's time, the
others being Chola, Pandya, and Satiyaputra.[39]Scholars hold that
Keralaputra is an alternate name of the Cheras, the first dominant
dynasty based in Kerala.[40][41] These territories once shared a common
language and culture, within an area known as Tamilakam.[42] While the
Cheras ruled most of modern Kerala, its southern tip was in the
kingdom of Pandyas,[43] which had a trading port sometimes identified
in ancient Western sources as Nelcynda (or Neacyndi) in Quilon.
 Later, the region fell under the control of the Pandyas, Cheras, and
[44]

Cholas. Ays and Mushikas were two other dynasties of ancient Kerala,
whose kingdoms lay to the south and north of Cheras respectively.[45][46]