History of Kerala | Kerala History

History of Kerala

When we think of history we think of times gone by and something that cannot come back. But, it’s not true as far as something’s are concerned. Who says history is gone and can’t be brought back.History of Kerala, Kerala History,Kerala’s History, History of Kerala of India, Early Inhabitants of Kerala, Mauryan Contact, Sangam Age, Chera Kingdom It lives as memories and historical monuments bear testimony to this fact. History leaves its imprints in such a manner that it reminds us of the days gone by how they might have been and assumptions leads us to a world of magic and mystery.

Like wise every country has a history to it and also the states that constitute the country have a similar kind of history supporting it making it more cultural and traditionally rich. One such great state rich in culture and history is Kerala.Legends, History of Kerala, Kerala History,Kerala’s History, History of Kerala of India, Early Inhabitants of Kerala, Mauryan Contact, Sangam Age, Chera Kingdom myths and archeological findings combine to provide interesting evidence regarding the early history of Kerala. According to Prof. K V Krishna Ayyar, the famous Kerala historian, "the discovery of microliths or small stone implements near Kozhikode and Cochin point to the presence of man in Kerala as far back as 4000BC."

According to some more popular legendaries, Lord Vishnu, after slaying and destroying the evil Kings, came down from the heavens in his incarnation in the form of Parasuram. He did penance for waging the terrible war and threw his axe into the sea. And yes here is the origin of Kerala from this axe that was thrown in anger. The place where the axe landed, from shaft to the blade, came out from the sea as the rich and beautiful, full of green and serene atmosphere: God’s own land of Kerala, a land of plenty and prosperity and also riches.

The factual history of Kerala and its Malabar cost - is closely linked with its commerce and trade.History of Kerala, Kerala History,Kerala’s History, History of Kerala of India, Early Inhabitants of Kerala, Mauryan Contact, Sangam Age, Chera Kingdom This coast is by far one of the most prosperous areas as far as commerce and business is considered as it is closely linked with the passage of the sea. The geographical position of Kerala has also contributed to its commercial and economical prosperity. The strip of land found a natural barrier in the hills, which sealed off one longitudinal section, leaving it open to access from the sea alone.

“Phoenicians” better known for their trading abilities were the pioneer in the sea trade with Kerala. In 100BC King Solomon's ships visited 'Ophix' (the modern Puvar, South of Thiruvanathapuram) to trade indifferent kind of items like ivory, apes, sandalwood and peacocks. One thing that every one loves to discover in Kerala are the spices that its known for and nevertheless the fame of these Kerala spices brought the Romans in 30AD to this state, who were followed by the Greeks, Arabs and the Chinese who started taking interest in these species that were cultivated and manufactured for different uses. It was just not only for the domestic use of these species that interested them but also the medicinal value that they carried along for different cures and ailments.

The spice trade also brought Vasco da Gama to Kozhikode in 1498, which paved the way for a fresh wave and as we can call it a revolution in its own kind of trading history starting with the Europeans. Traders from the Malayan peninsula, the Philippines, Java and Sumatra also visited the ports of Kerala. Kerala had become a hub and a definite trading destination for these foreigners Gold was traded by these countries from the east and west, for spices, ivory, sandalwood and peacocks.

It was only when the traders started coming in and the business had its boom time, the rulers of Kerala and the Zemorins of Kozhikode, gave these traders all facilities and also the permission for them to settle down on the soil of Kerala. The Portuguese gained trading rights in 1516, followed by Dutch merchants who obtained a stronghold in 1602. But with passage of time the Portuguese were made to leave the area by 1663,and in 1795,the Dutch too had to move out of the country, as the Britishers had captured the entire area under them and had already become the strongest power in India by that time.

The recorded history of Kerala that dates back to a third Century BC inscription on Ashoka's rock edict. And it is interesting to note that till the beginning of the 11th Century, the people of Kerala along with their eastern neighbors, the Tamils, shared a common language and culture between them. The traders of the Roman Empire and the Chinese filled the land with gold and the people were prosperous and happy with these riches.

And when India attained Independence the Britishers were no doubt forced to leave the country so they left Kerala too which they had made their base. Constant political feuds and wars between the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas and Pallavas who were the Indian Kings who ruled there after, finally culminated in 1120AD,with the breaking up of Kerala into many petty and small kingdoms. Thampurans or chiefs, under whom Kerala attained its most brilliant period in history, ruled these kingdoms. The people of Kerala broke away from the Tamils who they shared their culture and traditions with and formed a distinct culture of their own. After Kerala was formed away from its Tamil counterparts it decided upon a common code of conduct based on chivalry, tolerance and ancient moral codes came into existence. Malayalam the language that the keralites follow today started ruling then and suppressed the existence of Tamil, as the language of Kerala.Sanskrit became the badge of learning culture. Along with trade, literature, philosophy, and science too flourished during this period.

The Zemorins of Kozhikode, during whose reign the portugese set foot in kerala in 1498, succeeded the Thampurans. A succession of invasions by various powers finally ended in 1705 as the British established their supremacy and they ruled for years until we Indians got back our independence. Known as Malabar Coast and Cochin-Travencore, Kerala experienced both prosperity and strife under the British rule.

Kerala had definitely a huge contribution to the nation during these formative years when it built its base and started to form a identity of its own, till the country gained independence in 1947. Nine years later in 1956,the present state of Kerala was formed, comprising the Malayalam speaking tracts of south India. Kerala today takes pride in being the most educated state with 100% literacy. Kerala also contributed its mite to the nation in the form of eminent writers, scientists and famous personalities.

So one can assume and imagine that if some states have history as discussed as above then their testimony to these historical facts would also carry a lot of weight and definitely be of use. Yes folks when we talk of history we think of monumental beauty that support the stand as far as history is concerned.

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