Kingdom of Cochin

Quick Facts: Who was Kingdom of Cochin?

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Kingdom of Cochin

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A historical kingdom in Kerala, India, ruling until its accession to the Dominion of India in 1949.

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Origins & Early Life

The Kingdom of Cochin or the Cochin State, also known as Perumpadappu Swaroopam, named after its capital in the city of Kochi (Cochin), was a kingdom in the central part of present-day Kerala state. It originated in the early part of the 12th century and continued to rule until its accession to the Dominion of India in 1949. The kingdom of Cochin, originally known as Perumpadappu Swaroopam, was under the rule of the Later Cheras in the Middle Ages. After the fall of the Mahodayapuram Cheras in the 12th century, along with numerous other provinces Perumpadappu Swaroopam became a free political entity. However, it was only after the arrival of Portuguese on the Malabar Coast that the Perumpadappu Swaroopam acquires any political importance.

Career & Major Achievements

Perumpadappu rulers had family relationships with the Nambudiri rulers of Edappally. After the transfer of Kochi and Vypin from the Edappally rulers to the Perumpadappu rulers, the latter came to be known as kings of Kochi. Historically, the capital of Cochin was in Kodungallur (Cranganore), but in 1341, the capital was moved to Cochin to remedy a disastrous flood. By the early 15th century, Cochin lost its ability to fully defend itself. By the late 15th century, the kingdom had shrunk to its minimal extent as a result of invasions by the Zamorin of Calicut.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

When Portuguese armadas arrived in India, the kingdom of Cochin had lost its vassals to the Zamorins, including Edapalli and Cranganore, the later of which had even been at the centre of the kingdom historically. Cochin was looking for an opportunity to preserve its independence, which was at risk. King Unni Goda Varma warmly welcomed Pedro Álvares Cabral on 24 December 1500 and negotiated a treaty of alliance between Portugal and the Cochin kingdom, directed against the Zamorin of Calicut. A number of forts were built in the area and controlled by the Portuguese East Indies, the most important of which was Fort Manuel. Cochin became a long-term Portuguese protectorate (1503–1663) providing assistance against native and foreign powers in India.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1341: 1341 Milestone — Historically, the capital of Cochin was in Kodungallur (Cranganore), but in 1341, the capital was moved to Cochin to remedy a disastrous flood.
2. 1500: 1500 Milestone — King Unni Goda Varma warmly welcomed Pedro Álvares Cabral on 24 December 1500 and negotiated a treaty of alliance between Portugal and the Cochin kingdom, directed against the Zamorin of Calicut.
3. 1503: 1503 Milestone — Cochin became a long-term Portuguese protectorate (1503–1663) providing assistance against native and foreign powers in India.
4. 1949: 1949 Milestone — It originated in the early part of the 12th century and continued to rule until its accession to the Dominion of India in 1949.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kingdom of Cochin

True or False: “The capital of Cochin was permanently moved from Kodungallur to Cochin immediately after the kingdom's founding in the 12th century.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The move of the capital from Kodungallur to Cochin did not happen at the time of its founding; rather, it occurred in 1341 due to a disastrous flood.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kingdom of Cochin