Detail Factual Overview

History

• Ancient Period:
  • Known as the Malabar Coast.
  • Part of ancient trade routes; traded spices with Romans, Arabs, Chinese.
• Cheras: One of the major dynasties in early South India.
• Colonial Period:
  • Portuguese arrival: 1498 (Vasco da Gama, Calicut)
  • Later ruled by Dutch, French, and British.
  • Key historical figures: Pazhassi Raja, Velu Thampi Dalawa, Marthanda Varma
• Modern Formation: United Kerala created in 1956 by merging Malabar (Madras Presidency), Travancore, and Cochin.