Kerala Plus Two History Notes Chapter 14 Pre Modern Kerala (Economy, Society, and Polity)
In this chapter, we talk about the historical changes that took place in Kerala from the early times to 1800 CE. This chapter is divided into 4: a. The EdVly Moopan rule and the different types of earning a livelihood, b. Unification of agricultural centers and the formation of a hierarchical society, c. The Rise of Makotha Perumals. d. The social, political, and economic activities from 1200 to 1800 CE.
The period 12 to 18th century was one of change and also continuity. Agricultural production, exchange, political structure, land ownership, land relations, tax system, etc. continued and at the same time changed gradually. This period witnessed the coming of the Europeans, the Mysore attack, and the establishment of British colonial rule.
“Sanketam” is another type of political power that existed in Kerala. The Sanketams of Brahmins and Temples were very famous. Sanketam is a semi-autonomous area. In this, there would be a Brahmin temple and around it some villages. Sanketams were of two kinds: a) Sanketams established by Brahmin landowners and b) Sanketams established by political authorities as symbols of dedication and; piety to Brahmins.
The first Europeans to come to Kerala were the Portuguese. In 1498, Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad in Kozhikode. This was the beginning of an eventful era. K.M. Panicker says that in Asian History it started an age called the Vasco da Gama Age. European Colonialism lasted in India for 5 centuries and it was started by the coming of the Portuguese.
In the 18th century, far-reaching economic and political changes took place in Travancore, Kochi, and Malabar. In 1792, Marthanda Varma came to power and from then there were changes in Travancore. He started a new era in the history of Travancore. He is considered the founder of modern Travancore. He brought drastic changes to the economic structure of Travancore.
With the establishment of British authority, a new era began in Kerala. It was an era of resistance against colonialism. In Malabar, this resistance movement was organized by Pazhassiraja and Kurichiars. In Travancore, it was Veluthampi Dalava and in Kochi Paliath Komi Achan led such resistance.