A team from the University of Kerala has unearthed a small but architecturally significant Ganesha shrine in the Kasaragod district, belonging to the little-known Mushika dynasty. The shrine is notable for its 'Jali' or granite-lattice windows, which feature rare carvings of maritime trade scenes, including dhows and spice barrels, reflecting the dynasty's naval prowess.
According to Dr. S. Menon, the lead archaeologist, the temple's base is constructed from laterite blocks reinforced with ancient iron clamps, a precursor to more advanced Kerala temple architecture. The presence of maritime motifs in a religious setting indicates the strong link between merchant guilds and temple patronage during the early medieval period in the Malabar region.