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- There have been controversies about the origin of the name 'Cochin'. Some people attribute the name to the Malayalam word 'Kochazhi' or 'Small Sea', while others think Cochin was named after China when traders from the court of Kublai Khan of China, visited Cochin and gave it the name of their homeland. The local people refer to Cochin as Kochi, and this is the city's official name today.
- At the beginning of the 20th century a modern port with dry docks and ship repair yards was constructed, and Willingdon Island (connecting Fort Cochin with Ernakulam and other townships by a Rail Bridge and road) was built from the dredging of the harbor's inner channels.
- The earliest known ruling dynasty of Cochin was the Cheras, who had their capital at Cranganore (modern day Kodungallur).
- This port city was, as the ancient Italian traveler Pliny called it, the "primus emporium India" or the major gateway of India, the position Mumbai enjoys today.
- St. Thomas, an apostle of Christ brought Christianity here as early as 52 CE.
- St Thomas established the first church in India at Malayatoor, 35 kilometers from present day Cochin City.
- Malik ibn Dinar introduced Islam here even before it had been firmly established in all Arabia.
- The first mosque in India is at Kodungallur, on the roadside of National Highway 17.
- In fact, the last Chera King, Cheruman Perumal, embraced Islam, proceeded to Makkah on pilgrimage, and died there His grave still exists in Salalah, Oman.
- The geographical layout Cochin city as we know it today traces back to the great flood of 1341 CE, caused by a tsunami triggered by a gigantic undersea volcanic eruption. During this year the river Periyar flooded like never before (or after), and changed its course. The hitherto flourishing port of Cranganore silted up from the mud up-stream.
- A 15th century Italian traveler, Nicolo Conti remarked - "China is a good place to make money, and Cochin to spend it at".
- Vasco da Gama landed in Calicut in 1498.
- Legend holds that the Jews first settled in India during the time of King Solomon, when there was trade in teak, ivory, spices and peacocks between the Land of Israel and the Malabar Coast, where Cochin is located.
2 comments:
Do you have a higher resolution pic of that ship passing through the city side lake? Please?
If you have, please be kind to send it to vishu.kayh@gmail.com. for personal blog purpose. :-)
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