Tag: study of kerala

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.

Many art forms that developed in medieval Kerala. Dance and music flourished in temples during the period.Koothu, Koodiyattom, and Kathakali were staged in the Koothambalam attached to temples. Hence these art forms came to be known as temple arts.
The ritual art forms like Theyyam, Thira, and Kalampattu were performed in Kavus (sacred groves) and other places of worship. They were more popular than the temple arts.

Medieval Kerala had gained much progress in the field of knowledge. Sankaranarayanan was a famous astronomer during the reign of the Perumals. He has authored Sankaranarayaneeyam, a book on Astronomy. 

In ancient Kerala, educational institutions attached to temples were known as Salais.

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.