The PAMA (Paternal and Maternal Ancestry) Institute for the Advancement of Transdisciplinary Archaeological Sciences (IATAS) is an independent, non-profit public educational trust dedicated to fostering innovative and alternative ways of thinking, in line with our vision and mission. It is registered as a not for profit educational trust. under Indian Trust Act in 2018.

PAMA is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. The main research office, “Bappukudi,” is situated at the archaeological site of Pattanam, near North Paravoor. A second location is on the banks of the Periyar River near Aluva. This site houses the RTKN Creative Academic Centre and the Indo-Egyptian Study Centre. Plans are also underway to establish the Muziris Imaginarium of Curiosity and Innocence at this location.

The institute enjoys convenient access to the Aluva Railway Station and Cochin International Airport, facilitating both regional and global connectivity.

PAMA PAST TO PRESENT

PAMA was established on February 2, 2018 as a legal entity. The inaugural meeting of the Board of Trustees was convened on February 11, 2018, chaired by Prof RVG Menon, with notable scholars Dr. Romila Thapar and Dr. KN Panikkar in attendance. Initially headquartered in Trivandrum, PAMA later relocated to a historic "EttuKettu" dwelling near Kayamkulam, Pallickal, dating back approximately 300 years.

PAMA’s exploration activities began in 2017 before it was formally constituted. In collaboration with Kalady panchayat, students from Deccan College Pune and Pondicherry university a month long survey was organised.

In 2019, PAMA obtained excavation licences for Pattanam and Mathilakam from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), subsequently initiating excavation activities at both sites in 2019 and 2020. Later in 2020, PAMA secured land at the Pattanam Archaeological site and established the office, and named it as Bappukudi, facilitating its operations.

In 2022 and 2023, PAMA continued its excavation efforts, completing Trench No. 67 and seeking further licences for ongoing research. Amidst these activities, PAMA consistently pursued engagement with governmental bodies, including the Cultural Affairs Ministry, to further its mission.

In 2023 PAMA was registered under section 12A and 80G of income tax act making its initiatives eligible for CSR funding.

VISION

BRIDGING THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE with
Anbu (Humility), Unmai (Inside truth), Patru (Affection), and Pakutharivu (Critical thinking)

These four qualities are discerned as the predominant Sangam age ethos. They reflect in the written sources and material remains of Pattanam archaeological site (300 BCE - 300 CE)