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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.