Kingdom of Cochin

Origins

The ruling house, the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, emerged as one of the successor chiefdoms after the Chera Perumals of Makotai collapsed in the early 12th century. In the 14th century, after a flood of the Periyar opened a new harbour, the dynasty made Kochi its centre, and the port grew as older Muziris declined.

Rule and society

Cochin's rulers were long overshadowed by the Zamorins of the Kingdom of Calicut, so in 1500 they welcomed the Portuguese, who built Fort Manuel at Kochi in 1503. The Dutch replaced them in 1663. Pepper and spices drove the economy, and Kochi was home to Syrian Christians, Jews and Konkani merchants. Sakthan Thampuran (r. 1790–1805) curbed the nobles and rebuilt Thrissur.

Decline and legacy

After invasions by Mysore, Cochin became a British subsidiary ally from 1791 and was known for its schools and administration. In 1949 it merged with Travancore to form Travancore-Cochin, which became part of Kerala in 1956.