Kochi: The Queen of Arabian Sea
Sanjai VELAYUDHAN
Introduction:
Kochi href = "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media:Kochi.ogg" title = "Media: Kochi.ogg"> Also known by its Anglicized name is located in Cochin Kerala, the southern state of India. This is the second largest city after Kerala Thiruvananthapuram region. It is situated in Ernakulam district and about 220 kilometers (137 miles) away from the capital. With most of the larger area metropolitan state, the city has always been one of the main ports. Hailed as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is an exchange of spices important center in the Arabian Sea coast since the 14th century. Kochi traders began to be traded in spices like black pepper and cardamom over 600 years. In many old records and books of history based in Kochi, we find that ancient travelers and traders visited the city since time immemorial, like the Arabs, English, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese, who came here primarily for business purposes have left an indelible mark on the history and development of Cochin. Many of these then the groups live in the city for some time before migrating to other lands far. So Kochi a cultural melting pot has been due successive waves of migration within and outside India in the course of several millennia. The pan-Indian emphasized by the large presence of different ethnic communities in different parts of the country and many people including the Anglo-Indians, which are products of passing strangers. The city was once a large Jewish community, known as Malabar Yehude now called the Jews of Cochin. NSA. this group has declined and foreign blood has been considerably diluted with local weddings. Keep the talent to Jewish affairs, this group layers appears prominently in business and economic Kochi.
Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial Kerala and is perhaps the second largest city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai). Cochin has a world class port and international airport that connects to many cities in the world. Its importance strategically throughout the centuries is underlined by the reference-Kerala portal. Kochi is a prosperous city and also known as the financial capital of Kerala. Surrounded by the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea to the west, land is a spectacular and panoramic. Kochi one of the best places to travel and has hundreds of islands, some even uninhabited. This important and beautiful port city is noted that the top three travel destinations in the world and Tourism Council and presented at the 50th National Geographic Traveler best places in life.
Kochi has many vestiges of the past still cling. As a European city that we can find in India, built by the Portuguese Fort Cochin on an island seems to come directly from the 16th century with narrow winding streets lined channel, 500-year-old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets along the northwest coast of the island, surrounded by a 16th century synagogue "Jew Town", which was the prosperous home India's Jewish population, the oldest church in India and a palace built by the Portuguese and renovated by the Dutch and finally has been given to the Raja Cochin in India. The most famous symbol of Kochi is the row of Chinese fishing nets at the mouth of the harbor leading to the Arabian Sea in Fort Kochi, the oldest part of the city. In Ernakulam, who inaugurated the modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, the Old Town – Fort Kochi and Mattancherry area – maintains a colonial air and capabilities that have been designated as part of the heritage of Kochi. Fort House Kochi Basque located on Rose Street, is considered one of the oldest houses of Portuguese India. Basque da Gama is said to have lived here. This house features European glass-glazed windows and balconies. Da Gama reached India in the fall of 1524, but died three at Kochi months after his arrival. Even in death, Da Gama was still a passenger. Although his remains were removed and buried in Kochi to Goa, which is then removed and sent to Portugal for burial in the church Vidigueira. However, the coffin remained there until 1880, and was finally transferred to a marble tomb in the monastery church of Jeronimos Belem, on the outskirts of Lisbon. Kochi was honored to welcome the great explorer, colonizer and the fact that his final exploration of another world began here in the city associated with it forever. Although before the march of modernity, the city retains its distinct colonial heritage and is a charming blend of traditional and modernity.
Etymology:
Etymologically, there are many theories about what it's called Kochi. ancient travelers and tradesmen referred to Kochi in their writing, referring to various as Cocym, Cochym, Cochin, and Cochi. By some accounts, traders from the court of Kublai Khan, Cochin China the name of his country. The connection seems obvious from the Chinese fishing nets brand in the region widely known as China and Vala, or the Chinese network. Another theory is that Kochi is derived from the word for Kachi "port". The testimonies of Italian explorers Nicolo Conti (15th century), and 17th century Fra Paoline named Kochchi, named after the river connecting the backwaters of the sea after the arrival of the Portuguese and later the British, the name of Cochin is remained the official name. The city returned to a more original name anglicized Malayalam, Kochi, in 1996. However, it is still widely known and Cochin, with the corporation of the city which retains its name of the company and Cochin.
Geography
Kochi is located on the southwest coast India 9 ° 58? N 76 ° 13? E /? No. 76 9.967 217 ° E? / 9.967, 76.217, with an area of 94.88 km ² (36.63 square miles). The city is located on the northern tip of the peninsula, about 19 kilometers (12 miles) long and less than a miles (1.6 kilometers) wide. To the west, the Arabian Sea and the east are estuaries drained by perennial river originating in the Western Ghats. Much of Kochi lies in sea level, with a coastline of 48 km. This lovely seaside city is flanked to the west in the eastern Ghats and the Arabian Sea to the west. Its proximity to Ecuador, the sea and mountains provide a rich experience of Equatorial temperate climate. It is divided into several distinct areas particularly close to each other. These include the regions of mainland Ernakulam City (where the train stations to the rest of India depart and arrive), Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi (the main tourism enclave), Mattancherry, Kumbalangi and outlying islands. These different neighborhoods is the result of a past mixed.
Brief History:
The port city of Kochi has a very colorful and rich history. The city occupies a very strategic geographic position, is flanked by the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west. trade links Cochin with the Chinese and Arabs, is considered to have at least 2000 years. Christianity in this city dates back to the Apostle Thomas, who, according to tradition and evidence suggests, landed in India's 54 years to spread the Gospel. Kochi was the center of Indian spice trade for many centuries, and was known for Yavanas (Greek) and the Romans, Jews, Arabs and Chinese since ancient times. The earliest documented references to Kochi is produced in the travel books written by Ma Huan in China his visit to Kochi in the 15th century as part of Admiral Zheng He's Treasure Fleet. There are also references to Kochi in accounts written by Italian Niccolò Da Conti traveler, visited Kochi in 1440.
It can be said to have originated as a major port in 1341 AD when the river flooded Periyar destroyed a world famous port of Kodungallur, north of Cochin and has created a brand new port of Cochin, which is now one of the best natural harbors on the west coast of India. taken bustling port of Cochin a new strategic importance and began to experience commercial prosperity after the flood. The Portuguese entered the Indian Ocean in late the 15th century. Basque da Gama discovered the sea route to India, established the first Portuguese factory (counter), which in 1502, and the Portuguese viceroy Afonso of Albuquerque built the first European fort in India there in 1503. It was the first European fort in India. The British settled here in 1635, but were hunted by the Dutch in 1663, under which the city became an important commercial center. He spent the sovereignty of Haider Ali, Prince activist Mysore in 1776, but was betrayed by his son Tipu Sahib, the British in 1791.
There is also evidence indicating the presence of the Jews since at least AD 388. Legend has it that the Jews settled in India during the time of King Solomon, when there was no trade in teak, ivory, spices and peacocks between the Land Israel and the Malabar coast in Cochin. Others put their arrival at the time of the Assyrian exile in 722 BC, the exile in Babylon in 586 BC or after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 BC. There is no evidence, but most contemporary scholars set the date sometime during the Middle Ages. The first documents of permanent Jewish settlements in two copper plates now stored in the main synagogue in Cochin. Written in the ancient Tamil language, they detail the privileges granted a certain Joseph Rabban by Bhaskara Ravi Varma, the ruler of the fourth century Hindus of Malabar.
The oldest story of Kochi is derived from recordings made by the Chinese traveler, Ma Huan. Even in other documents belonging to the same period, the account of the history of Cochin before the Portuguese government is somewhat vague. By Reportedly, the city has gained a reputation as a port city just after the fall of the kingdom Kulashekhara. In 1102 CE, Kochi has become the seat of the Kingdom of Cochin, a princely state which traces its origins to the Kulashekhara Empire. According to many historians, was born in 1102, after the fall of the Empire Kulashekhara. The King of Kochi had authority over the region encompassing the present city of Kochi and its surroundings. The kingdom was hereditary, and the family that ruled over Kochi was known as Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadappu Swaroopam in the vernacular). The mainland Kochi remained the capital of the Principality State since the 18th century. However, during much of that time, the kingdom was under foreign domination, and the king was often privilege holder.
Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Fort Kochi was the first European settlement in India. It remained the capital of Portuguese India until 1530, until he chose Goa as its capital. This Portuguese period was a painful moment for the Jews living in the region, that the Inquisition was active in Portuguese India. The time during which Cochin was under Portuguese rule is very interesting. He said the admiral, Pedro Cabral was sent by the king of Portugal to open a factory in the city. Raja of Cochin has succumbed to the demand admiral who led Zamorin deny all Malabar region. Zamorin were the dominant power in the region and has not stopped breathing on the neck of King Raja of Kochi political influence in the U.S.. With the advent of Basque Da Gama, made peace with the Manual Zamorin after Portuguese built the fort to protect their works from any kind of attack. Once the Portuguese changed the capital of Goa, its past strategic intent of Kerala and focused on it.
The Portuguese rule was followed by the Dutch, who had ally with the Zamorin to conquer Kochi. The Cochin Dutch rule lasted from 1663-1795. They beat the Portuguese and removed from the Raja of Cochin. After landing safely Njarakal, have continued to take Pallipuram Fort, which later gave Zamorin. Cochin prospered under the Dutch government by sending pepper, cardamom and other spices, coconut, coconut, and copper. Between 1773, Kochi has slipped into the hands of the Mysore King Hyder Ali extended his conquest in the Malabar region to Kochi and briefly force in a tributary of Mysore. Later, the power has been taken over by the Dutch. They fear an outbreak of war on the United Provinces have signed the Anglo-Dutch in 1814 with the United Kingdom, under which Kochi was ceded to the United Kingdom in exchange for the island of Bangka. However, there is evidence of English settlement in the region even before the signing of the Treaty. The port city of Cochin had become well developed in the era of British rule in India in 1866, Fort Kochi became a municipality, and its first Municipal Council election was held in 1883. The Maharaja of Cochin, who ruled under the British in 1896, initiated by local government the formation of town councils in Mattancherry and Ernakulam. In 1925, Kochi legislative assembly was formed because of public pressure on the state.
Conclusion
Many stories written clearly indicate that Cochin has been invaded and colonized by aliens many times. The king is still the nominal head. The spicy aromas of pepper and invasive species other signs. The interior of the struggles between the dominant powers in Kerala has resulted in the weakening of its politico-military and has led to domination by colonial powers. Religion has also been widely used to consolidate colonial with many conversions resulting in mainly by the European powers and Islam by Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. These conversions resulted in fragmentation of the native mind This has enabled the authorities to continue their former natural resources the state and its workforce.
Contemporary Kochi:
In 1949, the State of Travancore-Cochin was created by merging of the former Cochin and Travancore States. Travancore-Cochin was in turn merged with the Malabar district of Madras State. Finally, the Law on Government of India, States Re-organization (1956) opened a new state – Kerala – incorporating Travancore-Cochin (excluding four southern taluks (smallest administrative unit) have merged with the state of Tamil Nadu), Malabar District and Kasaragod taluk, South Kanara. On November 1, 1967, exactly eleven years since the establishment of the State of Kerala, Cochin society came into existence. The fusion leads to the creation of the company, was one of the municipalities of Ernakulam, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi, as well as the Willingdon Island, four panchayats (Palluruthy, Vennala, Vyttila and Edappally), and the small islands of Gundu and Ramanthuruth.
A center of increasing maritime transport international trade, tourism and information technology, Kochi is the commercial center of Kerala, and one of the metropolitan areas of second-fastest growing level in India. accelerated economic growth Kochi after the introduction of economic reforms in India by the central government in mid-1990. From 2000, the services sector has revitalized the stagnating economy of the city. The creation of industrial parks that opt for information technology (IT) and port infrastructure based on other triggered a boom in construction and real estate in the city. Over the years, Kochi has seen rapid commercialization, and has become the commercial capital today in Kerala.
services Kochi is now a major destination for IT and ITES companies, ranked by NASSCOM as the second most India attractive for IT-based. The availability of cheap bandwidth through undersea cables and lower operational costs compared to other major cities of India has become an advantage. Several technology and industrial campuses including the government promoted the Park Information, Cochin Special Economic Zone Kinfra Export Promotion Industrial Park operate in the outskirts of the city.
Kochi is the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command, the basic training center of the Indian Navy. The Cochin Shipyard in Kochi is the largest shipbuilding center in India. The fishing port of Cochin, Thoppumpady is an important fishing port in the state and the supply of fish to local markets and export. To better exploit the potential deep water port throughout the year in Kochi, a cruise terminal International and several marinas are being built.
Exports and Related activities remain important contributors to the economy the city. Kochi historical dependence on trade continues in modern times, the city is a major exporter of spices and is home to the International Stock Exchange Pepper, black pepper, usually in stock. The Spices Board of India is also headquartered in Kochi. The Cochin Port currently handles export and import of goods in containers at the terminal Willingdon Island. A new terminal for international container transhipment, the first in the country is controlled Vallarpadam, to be play a vital role in India's economic aspirations.
Kochi also has an oil refinery, Kochi Refineries (BPCL) in Ambalamugal. Central government institutions such as the Office of the Coconut Development Board Coconut and Marine Products Export Development (MPEDA) have their based in the city.
Kochi Highlights:
Willingdon Island: By the early 20th century, trade in Kochi port has increased significantly and the need to develop the port has become necessary. Puerto English engineer Robert Bristow was brought to Kochi in 1920 under the direction of Lord Willingdon, Governor of Madras. In a period of 21 years, he transformed Kochi as a safer ports on the peninsula. This artificial island was created in 1933 by sand dredged while deepening the gap to the port of Cochin, under the direction of Sir Robert Bristow. Some time ago at the airport seaport and railway terminus (Cochin Harbour Terminus) were located on this island. Today is the port of Cochin and the headquarters of Southern Command of the Navy.
Marine Drive: A walk along the long tree-lined coastal road that lines the backwater is well worth the time invested, especially in the afternoon or evening. Backwaters dotted animated fishing boats, boats, ships, tankers and passenger vessels can be seen from the promenade along the coast. The greatest pleasure is to rise and look to the lashes Kerala monsoon is impressive in itself.
Cheri Beach: This beautiful beach ideal for swimming is located at the north end Vypeen Island, one of the many small islands from the mainland. The beach is lined with beautiful coconut trees and rice fields. Vypeen can be reached by land or by boat.
Parikshith Thampuran Museum: The kings of Cochin used to conduct their durbars (banquets large) in this amazing building the Durbar Hall. It was then converted into a museum is a treasure trove of archaeological finds and relics such as old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals. The building was taken Kerala Lalitha Kala by the Academy and now houses the Gallery of Contemporary Art. All the Royal Museum exhibits have been transferred to Hill Palace Museum.
Museum Kerala History, Kalamassery: The museum, visitors primarily through cultural and anthropological history of the geographical unit called Kerala. According to modern technology, which has published audiovisual spectacular exhibits illustrating the history and culture of Kerala with many life-size statues of ancient peoples tribal personalities, celebrities and several paintings depicting Kerala history. To understand the state of Kerala, a visit to this museum is a must.
Palliport (Pallipuram) Strong: The first and the oldest European fort in India built by the Portuguese in 1503. There are located on the island Pallipuram Vypeen.
Hill Palace, Tripunithura: Built in the 19th century by the Raja of Cochin, the palace was the seat of the Raja of Kochi province. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles showing the wealth and royal splendor rajas of Kochi, including the throne and the crown. The museum also houses a large collection of archaeological finds. Hill Palace is located 16 east of Cochin in Tripunithura, a satellite city of Cochin.
Bolghatty Bolghatty located on the Island Palace: This palace is situated in Dutch island is Bolghatty just a boat ride a few steps from the mainland. The palace has been converted into a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). The island has a golf course and panoramic views of the port and the port, makes it an attractive picnic. Frequent boat service is available on the continent.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Mattancherry: The wrong name Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese. Later in the 17th century modification and Dutch, he presented to the Raja of Kochi theft of property. Coronation of Rajas of Kochi widely used to stay here. The palace has with a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry.
Synagogue Jewish and Jew Town, Mattancherry: The synagogue, built in 1568, is beautifully decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. This is a small building of great beauty. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. Located near the Dutch Palace Mattancherry. Local markets selling trinkets near beautiful Kerala's famous and freezing Manichitrathazu.
Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi: The first church, which is Fort Kochi, was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and was named as a cathedral in 1558. The British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure was built in 1905 and elevated to Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
San Francisco Church, Fort Kochi: It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. During his March visit to Kerala, Basque da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the Church until their remains were taken for burial in Goa on the way to its final resting place in Portugal. Despite the elimination, the place of his burial in the church has been clearly identified OUT.
© Sanjai Velayudhan.
Note: The author would like to hear your opinion and two bouquets of flowers and criticism. Contact me @ Gmail.com Sanjai.velayudhan.