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History of Kerala
The colorful history of Kerala speaks of the various rulers and dynasties that made Kerala their home and shaped and influenced her unique culture to what it is today.
Even through it is said that Kerala derives its name from the Malayalam word 'kera' meaning 'coconuts', which is actually a beautiful name for this splendid land of coconuts, history has it the name originates from an ancient word Keralaputra (the land of the sons of Cheras) that has even been mentioned in the Ashoka Edicts dating back to 273-236 BC.
Chera was the first large empire that took roots in this state, and continued to use Tamil till 7th century as their administrative language. It were the Cheras who were responsible for establishing a wide network of trade links. The Chera power declined in the 10th century AD, after Cholas, the rulers of Tamil Nadu, were successful in overthrowing the dynasty.
After the Cholas, came the Zamorin of Calicut who established their rule in the state. With Vasco da Gama opening up the sea route to India, infighting began amongst the Portuguese, British, and Dutch for trade supremacy in the region.
Also for a brief period in the middle of 18th century AD, Travancore, with the help of petty kingdoms, tried to control the political power of Kerala. Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan also tried to annex the areas south of Travancore, but could not fulfill their dream as they were attacked by the British from the east and had to withdraw. And with the signing of the Seringpatnam Treaty, after Tipu's first defeat at the hands of the British, all the captured parts of Kerala directly under the British and Travancore and Kochi became princely states under the British. This arrangement continued until India gained Independence in 1947.
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Beaches of South India(8 Days)
Destinations Covered : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai - Periyar - Kollam - Verkala - Kovalam - Trivandrum |
| History of Kerala : Reservation |
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