New Delhi: Every year on November 1, Kerala Day or Kerala Piravi is celebrated. The people of Kerala observe the day to celebrate the state’s birthday. People celebrate the day with a lot of excitement and fervour. On November 1, 1956, the three separate regions of Kerala – Travancore, Malabar, and Cochin- were united to become an autonomous state on this day. On the occasion of Kerala Day or Kerala Piravi, let us look back at the day’s history and some interesting facts about the state.
Kerala Piravi: What is the history of the state?
As we look into the history of the day, let us first look at the meaning of what Piravi is. In Malayalam, the word’ piracy’ means birth.
When did Kerala become an independent state?
On November 1, 1956, Kerala became an independent state in the Republic of India. Before that, the state was divided into three provinces: Malabar, Travancore, and Cochin. However, since its unification, the residents of Kerala have observed November 1, 1956, as Kerala Day.
How Kerala was formed?
Kerala’s history is not years but millennia-old. During the time of Ashoka (around the 3rd century BCE), the former Emperor of the Mauryan Empire, Kerala was called Keralaputra. It was one of the four southern Indian kingdoms that were independent states.
Keralaputra was a prosperous business state because of its good location. It established trade relations with communities across the Arabian Sea. However, the state collapsed during ancient and medieval times after facing repeated attacks from neighbouring regions.
Kerala is a coastal area that historically served as a major port for immigrants and traders. During ancient and medieval times, it connected to ports along the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The region became a favoured port for Greek and Roman traders, mainly because of its rich spices, especially pepper.
From the first to the fifth century CE, Kerala was part of Tamil territory. It experienced rule from Eastern powers such as the Chola dynasty and the Pandyas, with the Cheras also gaining control at times.
In the early 1st century CE, Jewish immigrants arrived at Kerala’s ports. Local Christians believe that St Thomas the Apostle visited during the same century. There is little recorded history about the state between the 6th and 8th centuries CE, but Islamic influence suggests increased trade with Arab merchants.
From the 9th to the early 12th century CE, Hinduism rose in popularity. During this period, Malayalam became a distinct language under the Kulashekhara rulers. The Cholas largely governed Kerala in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Ravi Varma from the Kulasekhara dynasty briefly united Southern India, which included Kerala. After his death, the area became a battlefield for competing local leaders, notably Venad in the south and Calicut in the north.
In 1498, Vasco Da Gama arrived in India at Calicut port, beginning foreign involvement in the region. The Portuguese then dominated coastal trade throughout the 16th century CE.
In the 17th century, the Dutch took over trade in the area. By the early 19th century, the British Madras Presidency had made the Malabar coast and regions like Travancore and Cochin its subject states.
Kerala’s unification
After India gained independence in 1946, the states of Travancore and Cochin united to form the Travancore-Cochin territory. In 1956, the Travancore-Cochin territory merged into the Malabar coast, and Kerala was formed as one state. The Kasargod taluka, an area in southern India, joined the merger. However, during the formation of Kerala, part of the Southern Travancore-Cochin area was included in Tamil Nadu.
How do people observe the day?
People wear traditional clothing like satavu sarees, dhoti shirts and settu mundu on Kerala Piravi. The day is marked in a big way by schools and institutions around the state.
Several competitions regarding Kerala Day are held, like the Malayala Bhasha Varam, quizzes and more.
The President’s Trophy Boat Race in Kovalam is a major festival highlight. The winners and runners-up get trophies and cash prizes.
