Kerala: its folklore beginning

The ancient history of Kerala is shrouded in the mists of tradition. The most popular legend is that, the land crust that forms the State was raised from the depth of the ocean. Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of the lord Vishnu, had waged an epic series of vengeful wars on the Kshatriyas. Came a moment when Parasurama was struck by remorse at the wanton annihilation he had wrought. He offered sever penance atop the mountain heights. In a mood of profound atonement, the sage heaved his mighty axe into the midst of the distant ocean. The waves foamed and frothed as a land extending from Gokarnam to Kanyakumari surfaced from the depth of the sea to form this region.

Kerala, its political past

Before the formation of Kerala in 1956, Malayalam-speaking people were scattered over princely states of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar district of Madras state.

Marthanda Varma and Dharma Raja were the pioneers of progressive reforms in Travancore. Sree Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma, the last ruler of erstwhile Travancore, did the reformation of Travancore legislature on the basis of adult franchise. He introduced several administrative reforms also.

The history of modern Cochin begins with the visionary ruler Sakthan Thampuran, who had introduced many a progressive legislation. Thrissur pooram, one of the biggest cultural spectacles of present day, started during his regime. Several administrative reforms that were brought in by Sakthan Thampuran were carried on by his British successor Colonel Monroe.

Malabar region was slowly waking up to the changing world. Clandestine meetings were convened by political leaders at several parts of Malabar to boost up the spirit of national movement. The rebellion of 1921, known as the 'Mappila Riot' was the culmination of the Malabar's itching for freedom from the colonial yoke.

Even as the struggle against British colonial rule gathered momentum in 1920's, people of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar were clamouring for the formation of a united Kerala. The tempo of the demand for a united state was sustained even after Indian independence in 1947. Travancore-Cochin state was formed on July 1, 1949 and the mantle of capital fell on Thiruvananthapuram city.

In November 1956, states were re-organized under the State Re-organization Act. Accordingly, Tamil speaking Kanyakumari district (Cape Camorin) was ceded to Tamilnadu, Malabar then a district of Madras state, and Kasargod and Hosdurg region of south Canara in Mysore state, were heaved off to form the present day state of Kerala.

Kerala, is historical past

It was in Kerala, where Christianity was first introduced in India. As tradition has it, around A. D. 54, St. Thomas the Apostle, arrived on the shores of Kodungalloor. He spread Christianity through out the state before heading for Madras where he was martyred. This explains why Kerala has the largest Christian population in India today.

In 1498 the great Portuguese sailor, Vasco da Gamma landed on the Indian soil. His arrival also sparked the interest of the Europeans to explore the East and the Far East. This led to the arrival of the Dutch and the French and the British to India. They established colonies throughout India. The political rivalries between these colonial powers finally led to the establishment of British India.