About
Tireless expedition of KK Muhammad to rediscover the ancient heritage of India.
Born on 1st July 1952, in the coastal town of Koduvally, Kerala, Karingamannu Kuzhiyil Muhammed was destined for a life of discovery. Raised in a middle-class family, young Muhammed showed a keen interest in history and culture from an early age. It is this innate curiosity that finally pushed him to become one of India’s most famous archaeologists.
It was after his Master’s in History from Aligarh Muslim University that the turn in the intellectual journey of Muhammed came when he did his postgraduate diploma in Archaeology from the premier Archaeological Survey of India. This marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to uncovering India’s rich and complex heritage.
It is a tapestry woven with threads of exploration, preservation, and diplomacy that wove together Muhammed’s career with the ASI—from the sun-kissed beaches of Goa to the heartland of India. He traveled the length and breadth of his country, decoding stories carved into the land. His diligent work led to some amazing discoveries—the mysterious Ibadat Khana and majestic Buddhist stupas and monuments dotting the Indian landscape.
Beyond the discoverer, Muhammed was an able conservator and diplomat. The most adventurous of his efforts was the restoration of the Bateshwar Complex, which required not only archaeological skills in excavation but also the sensitive art of peacemaking within a highly troubled area. In this land raked by conflict, Muhammed was able to gain the confidence of naxal insurgents and dacoits and sustain a conducive atmosphere for the preservation of this invaluable heritage site.
He had this ability to bridge gaps while he was a guide for world leaders’ tours. From charismatic Barack Obama to sharp Pervez Musharraf, Muhammed served as an ambassador of India’s rich cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impression on the global stage.
On the backbone of these exceptional services, Muhammed has been awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards. These continual efforts at unraveling the mysteries of Indian history and preserving the legacy for coming generations were acknowledged in that badge of merit.
The life story of Karingamannu Kuzhiyil Muhammed stands as the epitome of intellect and human effort. From a curious youngster to a respected archaeologist, his journey motivates those who seek to discover our history.