Introduction:
Kerala has a rich historical heritage, which is pretty much evident from the number of famous monuments of Kerala, India. A major testimony of the history of Kerala, these monuments are worth visiting as they not only interest history enthusiasts but also are a photographer's paradise. Given here are the various monuments that are worth visiting in Kerala. History of Kerala,Origin of Kerala in India,Kerala History,Historical Information of Kerala India, Kerala India Travel,Kerala Travel to Kerala India,Kerala Travel Guide, Kerala India, Kerala India Guide Click on each of them for further information.
The first recorded history of Kerala appears in the inscriptions of the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka (269-232 b.c.).In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to four independent kingdoms that lay to the south of his empire. History of Kerala,Origin of Kerala in India,Kerala History,Historical Information of Kerala India, Kerala India Travel,Kerala Travel to Kerala India,Kerala Travel Guide, Kerala India, Kerala India Guide These were the kingdoms of the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Keralaputrasand the Satiyaputras.Among them, the Keralaputras or the Cheras, as they were called, reigned over Malabar, Cochin and North Travancore – all part of present-day Kerala. They managed to maintain their independence because they were on good terms with the Great Maurya. Otherwise, Ashoka, who was a great empire builder, would surely have attempted to bring these kingdoms under his tutelage.
The four South Indian Kingdoms extended a hand of friendship towards the Mauryas. It was really Hobson’s choice for them, having already experienced the Mauryan onslaught during the reign of Ashoka’s predecessor, Bindusara (297-272 b.c.)
The Sangam Age witnessed three political powers ruling the area which now constitutes the State of Kerala. These were the Ays in the south, the Cheras in Central Kerala and Ezhimalas to the north. History of Kerala,Origin of Kerala in India,Kerala History,Historical Information of Kerala India, Kerala India Travel,Kerala Travel to Kerala India,Kerala Travel Guide, Kerala India, Kerala India Guide The Ays established a kingdom which in its halcyon days, extended from Tiruvalla in the north to Nagercoil in the south. Antiran, Titiyam and Atiyan were the most prominent of the Ay rulers.
The Ezhimalas too ruled over an extensive area that covers the present Kannur and Wynad districts of North Kerala. However, the Cheras were the most conspicuous of the dynasties and founded a powerful kingdom in Kerala.
The first Chera ruler was Perumchottu Utiyan Cheralatan – a contemporary of the great Chola, King Karikalan. After suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Chola ruler at the battle of Venni, he committed suicide.
His son, Imayavaramban Nedum Cheralatan, another important Chera ruler, succeeded him. During his long rule of 58 years, Imayavaramban Nedun Cheralatan consolidated the Chera Dynasty and extended its frontiers. He inflicted a crushing defeat on his sworn enemies, the Kadambas of Banavasi (see Uttar Kannad for details). Imayavaramban’s reign is of special significance to the development of art and literature. Kannanar was his poet laureate.
However, the greatest Chera King was Kadalpirakottiya Vel Kelu Kuttuvan, who is also identified with the mythical hero of the Silappadigaram (The Jewelled Anklet). Silappadigaram is one of the three great Tamil epics of the Sangam Age. The other two are Manimegalai and Sivaga-Sindamani. The great Tamil poet, Paranar, refers to his military exploits including his famous victory at Mogur Mannan and Kongar. Kuttuvan was the proponent of the Patni (wife) cult. The cult emphasised the utter devotion of a wife towards her husband. He dedicated a temple at Vanchi to Kannagi (the female protagonist of Silappadigaram), and the present Kurumba Bhagavati Temple at Kodungallur (Cranganore) is modelled on it. Kannagi’s devotion towards her husband was legendary. Recently, the Indian Government has instituted an award in her memory, which is given to the women.
Fort Kochi
The Fort of Cochin is a small community in itself. Since it is a natural harbor and one of the most important trade centers in south of India, fort Kochi is one of the most important towns in Kerala.
Guruvayoor Temple
Guruvayoor Temple of Thrissur is a very important and famous pilgrimage. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Jewish Synagogue, Cochin
The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi was built in 1568 AD. In Cochin, Synagogue Jewish Monument is the oldest existing synagogue among the common wealth countries of the world.
Kunchan Smarakam Fort
Located 30 kilometers from Palakkad, the Kunchan Smarakam fort of Palakkad Kerala is not a usual historical monument. It is a memorial built as a tribute for the famous poet of Kerala, Kunchan Nambiar.
Napier Museum, Trivandrum
Named after the governor general of Madras, John Napier, the Trivandrum Napier museum is located in the heart of the city. The museum is equipped with natural air conditioning and provides a glance of the rich historical legacy of Kerala.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Located in a small village called Padmanabhapuram, at a distance of 65 kilometers from Trivandrum, Padmanabhapuram Palace is a magnificent palace that speaks volumes about the ancient architecture of Kerala.
Tipu Sultan Fort, Palakkad
The Tippu Sultan Fort, Kerala is located at the heart of Palakkad town. It is also called as the Palakkad fort. Regarded as one of the best preserved forts of south India, Tipu Sultan fort Palakkad was constructed way back in the year 1766.
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