Lying on the south-western front of India, Kerala’s history takes you back to the Stone Age. Though, the mention about this state is clearly seen in the times of Mauryan Empire. It was the inscriptions of Mauryan Empire that the historians were introduced to “Keralaputrasand”, one of the four south Indian empires of that time.

Also known as Cheras, they managed to maintain their independence because of being on good terms with Ashoka. The Cheras gave much significance to art and literature, with Kannanar as the poet laureate in the king’s court. Along with this, they were also known for their dignified respect to women.

This was visible in the form of Kurumba Bhagvati Temple, built by Kuttuvan, one of the greatest kings among Cheras. After their rule, Kerala saw the “Kalabhra Interregnum” (Dark Period). It saw the light with Second Chera Empire, which was started by Kulasekhara Alvar. Being the saints, composing hymns on Lord Vishnu, Alvars belonged to Bhakti cult.

The Kulasekhara Alvar was a scholar and composed one drama in Tamil and four in Sanskrit. After the eclipse of Chera kingdom, Venad emerged as a powerful empire with Ravi Verma Kulasekhara as its influential king. It was in his reign that Kerala’s trade and commerce flourished to the maximum.

After the end of Kulasekhara Empire, Calicut rose to power with its hereditary rulers, Zamorins. During their time, Kerala saw the zenith of its trade with China and Arab countries. Followed by them, the Portuguese started coming to Kerala and defeated Zamorins with the help of Cochin.

It is because the King of Cochin was against Zamorins and extended his full support to Portuguese. Like them, Europeans also came to Kerala as traders and started growing to be the rulers.

This started the national movement in Kerala, as the Keralites were not ready to give their state of Britishers. It gave rise to Non-Cooperation movement and Salt Satyagrah by Gandhi ji. After gaining independence, Kerala was given the due respect of being separate state and maintain its culture.