History of Alleppey

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 3^rd BCE to 3^rd 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 52^nd 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 17^th 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.