State Studies · Kerala
History of Keralam
Overview
Keralam was first epigraphically recorded as Cheras (Keralaputra) in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka of Magadha. It was mentioned as one of four independent kingdoms in southern India during Ashoka's rule, the others being the Cholas, Pandyas and Satyaputras. The Cheras transformed Kerala into an international trade centre by establishing trade relations across the Arabian Sea with all major Mediterranean and Red Sea ports as well those of Eastern Africa and the Far East. The dominion of Cheras was located in one of the key routes of the ancient Indian Ocean trade. The early Cheras collapsed after repeated attacks from the neighboring Cholas and Rashtrakutas.
Source: Wikipedia — History of Keralam (CC BY-SA)
Key concepts
How History of Keralam connects to the ideas, people and events around it.
Indian Ocean trade is vital for the global economy and has been described as the "cradle" for global trade.
The Sangam literature, historically known as the Poetry of the Noble Ones, connotes the early classical Tamil literature and is the earliest known literature of South India.
Tamilakam, also known as ancient Tamil country, was the geographical region inhabited or dominated by the ancient Tamil people, covering the southernmost region of the Indian subcontinent.
The Chera dynasty, also known as Keralaputra, Kedalaputho, from the early historic or the Sangam period in southern India, ruled over parts of present-day states Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The spice trade involved historical civilizations in Asia, Northeast Africa and Europe. Spices, such as cinnamon, cassia, cardamom, ginger, pepper, nutmeg, star anise, clove, and turmeric, were known and used in antiquity and traded in the Eastern world.
Ay dynasty, also known as Kupaka in medieval period, was an Indian dynasty which controlled the south-western tip of the peninsula, from the early historic period up to the medieval period.
Mushika dynasty, also spelled Mushaka, also Eli or Ezhi, was a minor dynastic power that held sway over the region in and around Mount Ezhi, northern Kerala, south India, from the early historic period up to the medieval period.
Religion in Kerala is diverse. According to 2011 census of India figures, 54.73% of Kerala's population follows Hinduism, 26.56% are followers of Islam, 18.38% follow Christianity, and the remaining 0.33% follow other religions or have no religion.
Revise History of Keralam
Flashcards and a quick quiz, built from this map.
Questions about History of Keralam
What is History of Keralam?
Keralam was first epigraphically recorded as Cheras (Keralaputra) in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka of Magadha. It was mentioned as one of four independent kingdoms in southern India during Ashoka's rule, the others being the Cholas, Pandyas and Satyaputras.
What are the key concepts related to History of Keralam?
The main concepts connected to History of Keralam include Indian Ocean trade, Sangam literature, Tamilakam, Chera dynasty, Spice trade, Ay dynasty, Mushika dynasty, Religion in Kerala. Each is linked on the map above with its own summary.
Which exams cover History of Keralam?
History of Keralam is part of State Studies, which appears in the syllabus of Kerala PSC.