History of Kerala

The history of Kerala (the state at the southern most tip of the Indian peninsula) dates back to the glorious period of the Mauryan Empire which had spread across most of the Indian subcontinent in 232 BC.

‘The state’s cultural foundations struck deep roots during what is known as the Sangam Age, a period of dynamic cultural and spiritual growth in India and myths and legends still abound in Kerala’s folklore about this age.

Kerala next faced a cultural upheaval when the Europeans first arrived in Kerala in 1498. By this time there were strong trade links between India and the Arabs, which the Europeans were determined to stop, and the Portuguese introduced new trade links. This resulted in civil unrest in Kerala, due to the disagreements over trade links. Eventually a treaty was signed in 1513, which tried to put a stop to the constant discord.

Shortly after the treaty the Dutch followed by the British tried to ‘cash-in’ on the potential Indian trade links. Subsequently, several regions came under British power, with the Dutch the French and the native Keralites all battling for power. Throughout the early 20th century Kerala was waging a battle for Independence from the Imperial British Rule along with the rest of India. Eventually India gained independence in 1947.

After India's independence in 1947, the Government of India's November 1, 1956 States Reorganisation Act inaugurated the state of Kerala, incorporating Malabar district, Travancore-Cochin (excluding four southern taluks, which were merged with Tamil Nadu), and the taluk of Kasargod, South Kanara.

A new legislative assembly was also created, for which elections were first held in 1957. These elections led to the emergence of a communist-led government — one of the world's earliest—headed by E.M.S. Namboodiripad. Subsequent social reforms favored tenants and laborers. This facilitated, among other things, improvements in living standards, education, and life expectancy.

Since then the regions of Kerala have bonded together to usher in economic growth and social welfare, emerging as a shining example in human development index in the world.

Tourism has developed and has in recent years witnessed rapid growth, providing the world with a fantastic opportunity to experience Kerala as it is today… a beautiful, exciting, vibrant, and deeply cultural land.