Kerala is one of the smallest states of India, which has an area 38.855 sq kilometers. This extremely popular beach and backwater destination of the world covers only 1.3 percent of the total area of the country. This narrow coastal strip is sandwiched between the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.
Kerala boasts of a long and diverse history. This celebrated land, known for being a tourist’s heaven, its aromatic spices, its sun-kissed and palm-fringed beaches, lush tea estates, tranquil backwaters and ancient Ayurveda, this South Indian state has made its presence felt on the world map. During Your tour to Kerala, get a sneak peek into the rich historical past of Kerala along with visiting its prime attractions.
If the legends are to be believed, Kerala arose from the sea, when sage Parasurama threw his axe northwards into the waves when he was sitting in penance at Kanyakumari. After he threw the axe, the sea waves retreated and the land that come-up became the South Indian state of Kerala. If seen in geographical terms, this state got created because of a seismic shift that lead to a rise in the seabed or when a number of rivers in the southern part of the country began silting over a span of millions of years.
The ancient Phoenician tribes knew Kerala in the form of that coastal area from where excellent-quality spices such as ginger, pepper cardamom etc., were exported. These people visited Kerala to get hands on ivory and sandalwood. Muziris or Cranganore was very a popular port for trading purpose along with the Mediterranean region. The merchants of Arabia used the monsoon winds for crossing the Arabian Sea for visiting Kerala and taking back valuable goods back to their country. These goods were then taken to the Mediterranean towns by the way of camel caravans.
According to historical accounts, the Pulayas, the Vetas and the Kuruvas were the first inhabitants of Kerala. When India was being ruled by the Mauryas, Kerala was under the rule of the Chera Dynasty. On arrival of the 10th century, the Namboothiris or the Brahmins began ruling Kerala. At that time, Jews, Christians and Muslim traders were also living here. The Brahmin rulers handed over the power to the warlords where the most prominent were Calicut’s Zamorin. An Admiral of Zamorins Kinjali Marakkar bravely fought against the Portuguese invaders.
When Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama landed his foot in Kerala in 1498, a new chapter was added in Kerala history as it started the era of European conquest. Clashes over trade between the Portuguese, Dutch and later the English started. After a few years, French also founded a settlement in Mahe on the Malabar Coast in the northern part of the state. By the time 19th century started, The British had won complete control over Kerala after defeating Tipu Sultan and other local rulers of the region. The Peasant agitation or the Mopilla Revolt was brutally compressed. When the independent movement started all around the country, it also showed its effect here in Kerala. An important part of this was several movements to open temple to those who were considered a lower caste or untouchables started.
After India gained independence from the British, it was the people of Kerala who had democratically elected a communist government to come in power for the very first time in the country in 1957. Since then, several governments have come in power in Kerala and gone. This state has seen an exceptional growth because of its tourism industry and has also emerged as one of the most literate states in the country.
The architectural beauties of Kerala such as its temples, monuments and churches are a proof of its rich historical past and have several tales to tell. A visit to Kerala surely is an unforgettable experience.
