LESSON 16: The socio-Economic and political context of Kerala during Early Centuries

LESSON 16

THE SOCIO ECONOMIC & POLITICAL CONTEXT OF KERALA DURING EARLY CENTURIES

During the ancient period, historically Kerala was known as ‘Chera Nadu’ meaning the land of coconuts. The rulers of Chera Nadu were known as the Chera Kings. These kings were interested in receiving the migrators with the expectations of improvement in commercial activities. Recorded history talks of the migration of a Jewish group from Palestine in A.D. 65, and the migration of the Knanites in A.D 345.

Social Context

During the early centuries, the caste system was prevalent in Kerala resulting in the practice of social segregation, untouchability, social injustice and social inequality. Due to the Aryan invasion, the caste system was practiced with its all-inhuman results. The higher castes oppressed the lower caste groups.

With the support of the kings and the religious scriptures, the caste system continued in Kerala society. In such a social context St.Thomas arrived in Kerala in A.D 52 with the aim of spreading the gospel.

Economic Context

The economic basis of Kerala during the early centuries was commercial activities and trade with foreign countries and neighboring states. Cranganore (Kodungallore) was the most important port in Southern India. Foreign traders used to visit Kerala for business. The Bible also records the trade activities of the Israelite kings especially king Solomon with India. The Book of Esther also speaks about India. The historians depicted Cranganore as the main trading center of Kerala. Assyrians, Babylonians, Israelites, Greeks, Romans, Chinese among others were the prominent traders who had business in South India during the time of the missionary enterprise of St.Thomas and the migration of Knanites to Kerala. On account of trade and agriculture, the economic status of Kerala was very high during the early centuries.

Political Context

Historians understand the ancient political history of Kerala with the help of Sangakala writings (during B.C.1st Century to A.D.4th century). During the ancient period, South India was called Thamizhakam. Thamizhakam refers to the group of three kingdoms of Cheranadu, Pandinadu and Cholanadu. Cheranadu was ruled over by the Chera Kings and the people were called Cheras and Kodavas. There was occasional war between these kingdoms and the kings received migrators for both economic and political reasons.