March 21, 2012
History of Alleppey
Alleppey, also known as Allappuza is
the land of inland canals, coconut palms and of typical Kerala tradition. It is a very popular tourist spot of Kerala.
The history of Alleppey dates back to
the Sangam Age (the classical period: from 3rd BCE to 3rd
CE). Sources assure us that Alleppey had strong trade links with ancient Greece
and Rome. It was ruled by the Kuttanadu Cheras. It is the region where St.Thomas Aquinas had
landed for the first time in India. It must have been around 52nd
AD. He established a Church in Kokkamangalam near Alleppey. However the visit of
the Saint had less impact on the lifestyle of the region.
It was around 17th century
the Portuguese and the Dutch started off their trade, Alleppey was made the base
since it had easy access through the Arabian Sea. The Dutch built their ware
houses in this district and later even started muddling with the local
politics. The Raja of Travancore (Martanda Varma) was shrewd enough to shun the
Dutch interference and helped the formation of Alleppey district. Through the
initiatives taken by the Diwan of Travancore Raja Keshava Dasan the Alleppey
district turned into a well planned port with inland water canals. Raja Keshava
Dasan can be called as the architect of the Alleppey district. He was born in a
very ordinary family and had very little exposure to the formal education.
Keshava Dasan joined as a tally clerk under Poku Moosa, a local tradesman. Poku
Moosa had an easy access in the Travancore royal court and thus he made a way
for Keshava Dasan. Soon Keshava Dasan ascended the throne of Dewanship in the
court of Raja Marthanda Varman.
It was during this period that many
inland canals were built in Alleppey connecting the Sea and just like the city of
Venice trade on both sides of water canals, and floating markets were
established. Allappuza became one of the busiest trade ports of India. It
became a part of Travancore-Cochin States. After Independence the States were
integrated into the Indian Republic. Alleppey as a separate district was formed
in the year 1957 by the Indian Republic.
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