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. There are quite a few monumental
sites, which are not only magnificent, but also have great historical value.
Details of some of these monumental structures are given in the paragraphs below:
History and geography of Kerala
Kerala Travel Information Reservation Form
