The Role of Forts in the Maritime Trade Networks of Kerala

Authors

  • Dr.  Ramya P.P NallamuthuGounder Mahalingam College, Pollachi, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63300/

Keywords:

southwestern coast, Kerala, Bekal, Pallippuram

Abstract

Kerala, strategically located on India's southwestern coast, historically served as a pivotal node in global maritime spice trade, facilitated by its extensive coastline and river systems. Essential to this commerce were coastal forts such as Bekal, Pallippuram, and Cranganore, which functioned not only as military strongholds but also as crucial administrative centers, customs posts, and control points for both sea and inland trade. This report examines the strategic significance, architectural characteristics, and multifaceted roles of these fortifications in protecting and facilitating Kerala's enduring maritime commerce

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Author Biography

  • Dr.  Ramya P.P, NallamuthuGounder Mahalingam College, Pollachi, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu

    Assistant Professor, Department of History,

    NallamuthuGounder Mahalingam College, Pollachi, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu

    Email: ramyaplachikkattuparambil@gmail.com

References

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2. Subrahmanyam, Sanjay. (1997). The Portuguese Empire in Asia, 1500–1700: A Political and Economic History. Longman.

3. Narayanan, M. G. S. (1996). Perumals of Kerala: Brahmin Oligarchy and Ritual Monarchy. CosmoBooks.

4. Menon, A. Sreedhara. (2007). A Survey of Kerala History. DC Books.

5. George, K. M. (Ed.). (1998). Kerala: The Land of Paradoxes. National Book Trust.

6. Panikkar, K. M. (1960). Malabar and the Dutch. Asia Publishing House.

7. Pearson, M. N. (2003). The Indian Ocean. Routledge.

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Published

2025-09-01

How to Cite

The Role of Forts in the Maritime Trade Networks of Kerala. (2025). Academic Research Journal of Science and Technology (ARJST), 2(03), 10-13. https://doi.org/10.63300/