Tag: in the land of kerala

The present Kodungallur and the surrounding areas were known as Mahodayapuram in those days. The Perumals were also known as Cheras and Cheramans. Some of these rulers adopted the title Kulasekara. Most regions in present Kerala were under the rule of the Perumals.
The socio-economic features of the region during the reign of the Perumals were as follows:

• Agriculture flourished in areas close to water resources.
• Brahmins established their power in agricultural villages.
• Temples developed as centres of power.
• The ownership of farmlands was vested with the Brahmins.
• Aaladiyars were the people who toiled in the soil.

Maritime trade attained tremendous progress during the medieval period. The demand for exported goods increased. This resulted in the increase in the cultivation of such crops in rural areas. These goods were exchanged in the markets. The development of markets helped in strengthening the local trade. Ananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Kozhikode and Panthalayani were the major markets of the period. The major ports were Kollam, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Valapattanam.

Maritime trade attained tremendous progress during the medieval period. The demand for exported goods increased. This resulted in the increase in the cultivation of such crops in rural areas. These goods were exchanged in the markets. The development of markets helped in strengthening the local trade. Ananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Kozhikode and Panthalayani were the major markets of the period. The major ports were Kollam, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Valapattanam.

The present Kodungallur and the surrounding areas were known as Mahodayapuram in those days. The Perumals were also known as Cheras and Cheramans. Some of these rulers adopted the title Kulasekara. Most regions in present Kerala were under the rule of the Perumals.

The socio-economic features of the region during the reign of the Perumals were as follows:

• Agriculture flourished in areas close to water resources.
• Brahmins established their power in agricultural villages.
• Temples developed as centres of power.
• The ownership of farmlands was vested with the Brahmins.
• Aaladiyars were the people who toiled in the soil.

The reign of the Perumals came to an end by the 12th century. Consequently, the chieftains, who were the local rulers under the Perumals, began to rule their respective Nadus independently.

The region under the control of a chieftain was known as Swaroopam. The joint family of the chieftain was also known as Swaroopam. The eldest member of the family became the ruler. There were disparities in wealth and military power among the Nadus and the chieftains fought among themselves for power.

The major Swaroopams during the period were Trippappooru Swaroopam in Venad, Perumpadappu Swaroopam in Kochi, Nediyiruppu Swaroopam in Kozhikode, and Kolaswaroopam in Chirakkal.

Anjuvannam was a  Jewish community/colony (corporation/guild) in southern India and a Manigramam is a large, influential guild of South Indian merchants. They were the trade groups that existed in Kerala from 9th century to 13th century CE.

Internal and external trade made great progress in Kerala during the medieval period. Earlier, trade was carried out through the exchange of goods for goods. Later, goods began to be exchanged for money. Maritime trade attained tremendous progress during the medieval period. The demand for exported goods increased. 

Ma Huan, a Chinese traveller, who visited Kerala during the period said this:

"As a ship carrying goods from China arrives at the port, Shabendar Koya (the King's representative) and a broker board the ship and list the goods. A suitable day is opted to fix the prices of goods. Priority was given to silk clothes. Once the prices are fixed they take a vow that the prices of goods will not be changed under any circumstances."

 Shankaranarayana was an Indian astronomer and mathematician in the court of Sthanu Ravi of the Perumal kingdom  in medieval Kerala. He was a disciple of the astronomer and mathematician Govindasvami. He is believed to have established the first astronomical observatory in India at Kotunnallur.

It is generally believed that Malayalam has evolved from Tamil. Sanskrit also has greatly influenced the development of Malayalam. Vattezhuthu and Kolezhuthu were the scripts used to write old Malayalam.

Krishnagatha by Cherussery, Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu and Mahabharatham Kilippattu by Ezhuthachan, Thullal literature of Kunchan Nambiar, etc. contributed to the development of the Malayalam language.

The Mohiyudheen Mala written in Arabi Malayalam by Quazi Muhammed in the 17th century and Puthanpana written by Arnos Pathiri in the 18th century enriched the language.