Ancient Kerala, first noted as Keralaputra in 3rd-century BCE Ashokan inscriptions, was a spice trade hub for Romans and Greeks, known for pepper, and ruled by the Chera dynasty, with significant maritime trade, flourishing during the Sangam Period (c. 300 BCE-300 CE) before Arab influence grew, laying foundations for its unique Dravidian culture and trade-driven prosperity.
Key Eras & Rulers:
- Kerala appears as Keralaputra, an independent kingdom in South India, alongside Cholas, Pandyas, and Satyaputras, noted by Emperor Ashoka.
- A golden age marked by flourishing Tamil literature, emergence of distinct Kerala culture, significant spice trade with the West (Romans), and rule by powerful Chera kings.
- The dominant power, fostering maritime trade through ports, exchanging spices for Roman gold, and engaging in long-distance trade, as evidenced by Roman coin finds.
This video provides a general overview of Kerala's history:
archive A-History-Of-Kerala.pdf society and culture .pdf
wiki/History_of_Kerala tribes kerala origins- malayalam
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