Kerala History - Cochin

The Chera kingdom was the central part of Kerala during the Sangam period. Cheran Chenguttavan was the most prominent king of the Chera kingdom. Muziris, the most prominent port of that time, was in the Chera kingdom. The Chera kings had trade relations with foreign countries. After the Sangam Period, Earlier Chera Kingdom disintegrates. However, it seems that the Chera power was restored in 800 AD. After that Kerala had grown into a single kingdom during the reign of the Kulasekhara Empire, which ruled from the 9th century to the early 12th century AD. Mahodhayapuram was its earlier capital. The four important states of the Kulasekhara Empire were Kolathunad, Ernad, Cochin (Perumpadappu) and Venad. The Kulasekhara Empire disintegrated in the first half of the 12th century due to the constant attacks of the Cholas. Subsequently, these regions were divided into several princely states. Innumerable princely states became independent in the Cochin region. They are Cochin, Edapalli, Alangad, Paravur, Anjikaimal, Kodungallur, Villarvattom etc.