History of Kerala.

Kerala History

Mauryan Empire The name Kerala is now widely explained today as the "the land of coconuts", derived from Malayalam word "kera" which means coconut. But history shows that Ashokan edits dating back to 273-236 BC had mentioned Keralaputra (the land of the sons of Cheras) and it is from this that the name has originated The first recorded history of Kerala appears in the inscriptions of the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka (269-232 b.c.). In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to four independent kingdoms that lay to the south of his empire. These were the kingdoms of the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Keralaputras and the Satiyaputras. Among them, the Keralaputras or the Cheras, as they were called, reigned over Malabar, Cochin and North Travancore – all part of present-day Kerala. They managed to maintain their independence because they were on good terms with the Great Maurya. Otherwise, Ashoka, who was a great empire builder, would surely have attempted to bring these kingdoms under his tutelage. The four South Indian Kingdoms extended a hand of friendship towards the Mauryas. It was really Hobson’s choice for them, having already experienced the Mauryan onslaught during the reign of Ashoka’s predecessor, Bindusara (297-272 b.c.) The Sangam Age Information about the Cheras during the Mauryan times is very scarce. It is only in the Sangam Age that the history of Kerala emerges from myths and legends. The Sangam Age refers to the period during which Sangam literature was composed. Sangam literally means academy and these great works in Tamil were written in the first four centuries of the Christian era. Tradition has it that the first three academies met at Madurai and were attended by kings and poets. However, the literature composed at the First Sangam is no longer extant. Tolkappiyam : The earliest work on Tamil grammar, was composed during the Second Sangam. Ettutogai : The Third Sangam produced a remarkable collection of Tamil literature known as Ettutogai (“Eight Anthologies”). These anthologies give us a detailed description of the political, social and economic conditions of that period. The Chera Kingdom The Sangam Age witnessed three political powers ruling the area which now constitutes the State of Kerala. These were the Ays in the south, the Cheras in Central Kerala and Ezhimalas to the north. The Ays established a kingdom which in its halcyon days, extended from Tiruvalla in the north to Nagercoil in the south. Antiran, Titiyam and Atiyan were the most prominent of the Ay rulers The Ezhimalas too ruled over an extensive area that covers the present Kannur and Wynad districts of North Kerala. However, the Cheras were the most conspicuous of the dynasties and founded a powerful kingdom in Kerala. The first Chera ruler was Perumchottu Utiyan Cheralatan – a contemporary of the great Chola, King Karikalan. After suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Chola ruler at the battle of Venni, he committed suicide. His son, Imayavaramban Nedum Cheralatan, another important Chera ruler, succeeded him. During his long rule of 58 years, Imayavaramban Nedun Cheralatan consolidated the Chera Dynasty and extended its frontiers. He inflicted a crushing defeat on his sworn enemies, the Kadambas of Banavasi. Imayavaramban’s reign is of special significance to the development of art and literature. Kannanar was his poet laureate. The greatest Chera King was Kadalpirakottiya Vel Kelu Kuttuvan, who is also identified with the mythical hero of the Silappadigaram (The Jewelled Anklet). Silappadigaram is one of the three great Tamil epics of the Sangam Age. After the Sangam Age, Kerala passed through a dark period that lasted four centuries. This era is known as the ‘Kalabhra Interregnum’. At the end of the eighth centurya.d., South Indian kingdoms such as the Pallavas, the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas and the Pandyas succeeded in overthrowing the Kalabhras. Koikkal Kottaram

Ariyannur Temple This temple can be dated to 14th century A.D. The main deity Hari Kanyaka (Mohini concept) is facing East. The temple has a granite adhisthana with laterite but ornate wall.		Ariyittuvazhcha Kovilakom A traditional style Nalukettu which was used for the Ariyittu Vazhcha, a ceremony in connection with the coronation of the new heir of Cochin Royal family.
		Arnose Padiri House Ancient House of Arnose Padiri and St. Francis Xavier Forane Church. Rev. Joannes Ernesto Hanxleden SJ was one of the most remarkable scholar missionaries who dedicated their lives to enrich Malayalam literature with their immortal contributions.		Ayyipilla Asan Ayyinipilla Asan Smarakam Ayyipilla Asan is the author of Ramakadha pattu, one of the epic of ancient Malayalam Poetry and Ayyinipilla Asan, his brother is the author of Mavarathapattu, another book in ancient Malayalam.
		Bhagavathy Temple Vizhinjam This ancient Devi (Sapta matrukkal) temple is in a square plan representative of the Chola type. The base pillars etc are in stone. The super structure is in the shape of a dome.		Buddha Image Bharanikavu This Buddha Image is executed very elegantly; the upper cloth, particularly the many folded part of it passing over the left shoulder and lying flat on the chest. The usnisha and jvala are prominent.
		Buddha Image Karumadi This image of Buddha is popularly known as Karumadikkuttan. It is made of black stone. Its left hand is broken and lost. Several stories are told in the area that are associated with the intallation of the iamge in the site.		Buddha Image Krishnapuram Palace This Buddha Image is of 96 cm. height. It is in yogasana posture. Jvala, and the upper cloth on the left shoulder which spread over the chest with many foldings is very clear.
		Buddha Image Mavelikkara This Buddha Image is about 3 feet height including the pedestal upon which it is seated. It has the jvala, usnisha and the upper cloth over the chest to indicate its Buddhist character.		Chandragiri Fort This ancient fort is made of hand laterite stones. It was built by the Sivappa Nayaka of Bednore in the 17th century A.D, who established his authority over the area and built a chain of forts.
		Chennamath Temple This old Siva temple has circular vimana. It is ekathala alpavimana. It is of sandhara type. Two armed dwarapalakas in stone work is seen here on the flanks of the main door entrance.		Cheraman Parambu The Cheraman Parambu has an area of three acres. It is believed to have the seat of the palace of Cheraman Perumal.
		Edakkal Cave Ambukuthimala or Edakkalmala is one of the principal hills of the Wayanad District. Edakkal cave is found on its western slope. The cave contains carved figures, some inscriptions and symbols on the walls.		Ezhimala Fort Ettikulam The Ezhimala Fort or Ettikkulam fort lies about 2km south of Mount De-eli or Ezhimala. The fort was built by the Portuguese and subsequently held by the French and the English.
		Ezhuthupara Ezhuthupara at Marayoor is noted for the collection of Pre-historic cave paintings. Pictures in this megalithic art gallery are drawn in two different media consisting of reddish brown soil containing multicoloured iron minerals and white clay soil.		Irunilakode Temple This is one of the few rock cut temples in Kerala with a central figure on the wall of the cell, datable to the 8th-9th centuries A.D.
		Kallil Rock Cut Temple The unique rock cut temple at Kallil near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district which may be assigned to the peiod after 800 A.D. was originally a Jain shrine.		Kalpathoor Paradevatha Temple Main deity of this temple is Kirathamoorthy facing west. The ancient temple is having granite adhistana with laterite wall. Dwarapalakas are of wood.
		Kattilmadam Kattilmadam is a monument dated to 12th-13th centuries A.D. This beautiful granite structure which is known as Kattilmadam is in dravida style with octagonal Griva and Sikhara.		Kizhthali Temple This is one of the Eighteen Thali temples in Kerala datable to early 13th-14th century AD. It is dedicated to Siva. The old temple is in ruins and a new structure in its place has been put up.
		Koikkal Kottaram Koikkal Kottaram the ancient palace at Nedumangad is famous in history as the residence of the perakom collateral branch of the ancient Venad Dynasty.		Kottakal Kunjalimarakkars House The house stated to be the residence of Kottakal Kunjalimarakkar, one of the heroes of Kerala history, is an ordinary single storied building (new) built in laterite stones and with thatched roof.
		Kottappuram Fort The Kottappuram fort or Cranganoor Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1523 AD. Later it was captured and destroyed by the Dutch in 1662.		Kottayil Kovilakom This is a centre of historical importance. The word Kottayil Kovilakom means the palace inside the fort. It is the place where the Royal palace of the Villar Vattathu Raja
		Kottukal Rock Cut Temple The Kottukal rock cut temple represents an out standing and typical example for the Rock cut Temple style of Kerala. It has two cells on either side with Sivalingas in each with a projection carrying the figure of Ganapathy at the centre		Krishnapuram Palace This palace is the best example for the Kerala style architectural buildings, especially the residence of local Chief-tains and royal palaces of Travancore. Its gabled roof, narrow stair - cases, dormer windows, classical impluva, heavy doors, narrow corridors etc. are worth to be mentioned.
		Madankavu Mangadu is a megalithic site situated 8 kms. north-east of Kollam town. The site is located very near to 'Madan kavu', a small traditional temple.		Madavoorpara Rock Cut Temple Rock cut temples are one of the main styles of kerala architecture in 7-9 century AD. This cave temple is found at the mid-height of the rock, facing south west.
		Mangala Devi Temple The temple complex on the top of the Magaladevi Hills facing the Cumbam Valley of Tamilnadu consists of four shrines of different sizes and orientation confined to a well defined Prakara with a fairly large sized Gopuradwara.		Manjapra Temple It is a temple of square Sikhara type. The roof and all parts of the Sreekovil is made of granite rock. Dwarapalakas are of granite. Ghanadwaras on three sides.
		Menhir A megalithic monument (Menhir type) in granite having 15 feet height and 12 feet 4 inches broad standing opposite Anappara on the left side of the Viyyur - Thanikudam Road.		Monolithic Monument Monolithic monument (Menhir type) one in standing posture having 12 feet 3 inches height and 10 feet 6 inches broad.
		Narasimha Temple Chathankulangara This beautiful temple Contains many wooden sculptures which are considered to be of 14th century AD. Temple structure is Chaturasra alpavimana.		Nedumkotta Travancore Lines The Travancore lines or Nedumkotta as it was called, ran from the Vaipin Island to the Western Ghats and often through Cochin territory.
		Neeramonkara Temple Neeramonkara Siva temple belongs to the 14th century A.D. It is in circular Dravida style raised on a circular paved disc which forms the outer path of circumambulation		Old Kacheri Malika Aluva The old Kacheri Malika is a beautiful building in which the Alangad Taluk Kacheri functioned under the Travancore Kingdom.
		Ooramana Temple This structural temple can be datable to 12-13thh century A.D. It is of circular vimana with granite stone plinth with plastered walls bearing beautiful mural paintings.		Padmanabhapuram Palace Padmanabhapuram palace is an ancient historical monument representing the indigenous architectural features especially in the traditional style of Southern Kerala.
		Pallippuram Fort This hexagonal building is the oldest extant European monument in India. It was constructed by the Portuguese in 1503. It is popularly known as Ayakkotta or Alikkotta.		Pandavan Para Pandavanpara is a monument standing in gigantic manner, protected by a kind of granite pagoda like natural rock facing west, covers an area of about 96 cents occuring between two huge boulders on a hillock sufficiently spacious to accomodate nearly fifty people.
		Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil It is sandhara type temple with cardinal doors on Four sides. The plinth and the wall together are of granite stone work and the rest of timber and sheet roof in circulr vimana.		Pilicode Cave It is a megalithic site having an area of 3 acres 28 cents. A number of rock cut tombs encountered in this laterite zone are of archaeological value.
		Porkalam Dolmans Three dolmans already excavated by the Department. Contents including prehistoric potteries and iron implements were taken to Thrissur Archaeological Museum.		Poyilkotta This laterite fort was believed to be built by the Bednore Naikans in the 17th century A.D. The fort is in complete decay.
		Pundareekapuram Devaswam The temple is of chathurasra vimana having sheet roof. Square arthamandapa has beautiful carvings on the ceiling.		Rock Cut Temple Thrikkakudy It is the oldest cave temple in Kerala. It belongs to the latter half of the 8th centruy AD if not earlier as suggested by its close resemblance to later Pallava work.
		Sakthan Thampuran Palace The old Vadakkechira palace, was renovated to the present style by Sakthan Thampuran, the famous king of the Perumbadappu dynasty.		Sivanarayana Temple Thirunayathode This strutural temple is of Vritta Vimana. Granite stone for adhistana and wall. Granite wall is coated with plaster on which murals are seen.
		Sree Venkitathevar Temple Sree Venkitathevar siva temple is ornated with the beautiful murals on the walls of the garbhagriha and magnificent wood carvings on the griva.		Stone Inscription Hebrew This inscription is seen in front of the Jews synagogue at Chennamangalam. The Hebrew stone inscription having eight lines shows that the synagogue was built in 1615
		Stone Inscriptions Chennamangalam Stone inscription lying in the church compound of Vaipikkotta seminary, Chennamangalam.		Suspension Bridge Punalur The suspension bridge spanning the Kallada River in Punalur is the only one of its kind in south India and it is 400 ft. long. As this bridge erected in 1877
		Thirunarayanapuram Temple A structural temple of 14th century A.D. Adhistana and wall are of granite. Square vimana, tritala type of super structure, cloister namaskara mandapa etc.		Thiruvananthapuram Fort The Thiruvananthapuram Fort is built around Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple which was the centre of many historical events.
		Thodeekkulam Siva Temple Thodeekulam Siva Temple is famous for its murals with seem to belong to the middle stage of kerala mural tradition perhaps of the 10th-13th century A.D.		Thrivikramangalam Temple This Mahavishnu temple is famous for its sculptural extravagance. The temple appears to be very old.
		Tippu Sultans Fort In 1788 Tippu Sultan transferred the capital of the province of Malabar from Kozhikkode to the South bank of Beypore River and built a Fort at the modern village of Feroke.		Tomb of Veera Pazhassi The tomb of the celebrted historical giant and reputed warrior Veera Pazhassi is a historical monument that has laid his great memories on the sands of time.
		Trikkur Mahadeva Temple This live rock cut temple is dated to the 8th century A.D. The Sivalinga faces east and the door of the Garbhagriha is on the north.		Uliyannur Mahadeva Temple This structural temple is in the form of vritha vimana with granite adhisthana. A unified tiled roof for the whole temple.
		Vaipikota Seminary Vaipikotta seminary was built by the Portuguese in 1577. Many Vattezhuthu inscriptions were encountered during the exploration done here in 1935.		Vasco de Gama Monument Vasco de Gama landed at Kappad a few miles north of Kozhikode on 27th may 1498. It was an event which was destined to write the name of kerala in the annals of world history.
		Vattezhuthu Inscriptions A granite slab with Vattezhuthu inscriptions on it. Measuring 6 ft by 4.5 feet. Now in the compound of the Thazhekkad church.		Vishnu Temple Aruvikara Vishnu Temple at Aruvikara is of circular vimana with granite adhistana and plastered wall. The whole structure is recently renovated.