Kerala History
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. 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, 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. 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.
Kerala is one of the few states, which has been blessed by god as far as natural
beauty is concerned. This state has the best of places one would like to see.
Some very beautiful and Exotic water lands, beautiful stretches of forestland,
great historical monuments and above all, the immense greenery of this state
is something that will enthrall any visitor’s senses and scintillate his
mind to give him/her the maximum satisfaction, Talking about the monumental
structures of this state, we really do have a treat for you.
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