Colonialism and Trade in Cochin

Starting from the time of arrival of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498 at Kappad, the port city of Kochi in the princely state of Cochin became one of the most important trade centers in the world. It was the land of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and clove especially Black Gold which gained prominence due to its high demand in Europe, Africa and all over the world. All these spices were exported from Kochi in huge ships for the purpose of trade. Subsequently trade became the primary activity in Kochi along with agriculture through which the spices and other exporting goods were produced. Vasco da Gama was a trading visionary for the Portuguese, but for other states he was a brutal savage who took efforts to ruin the Arabian and Chinese trade relations with Kochi that was already existing by the time he had reached; to establish a Portuguese trade hegemony in Kochi. A golden crown with 69 emeralds and other precious stones such as ruby and diamonds embedded around was gifted by Vasco da Gama, sponsored by the Portuguese king to the Maharaja of Cochin to establish a cordial relation in the state. This was seen as a strategy to establish permanent trade in Kochi that at least lasted for a long time of 160 years. With the arrival of the British in the form of the English East India Company the trade and commerce expanded largely in Kochi and the export market was in full swing and reached its prime. It was also the time when colonialism in India was at its peak, effectively subjugating and exploiting the working class irrespective of the region.

© Victory over Kochi on the coast of Malabar by Dirck Jansz van Santen

The Economy of Cochin was highly dependent on trade and commerce which took place between the foreign markets and the local merchants. It is stated that a large economic growth and progression was observed in the Kingdom of Cochin after the trade activities conducted by the European nations. One of the major economic activities in this region was overseas trade through the import and export of goods. When it comes to trade the Maharaja of Cochin followed a liberal policy that allowed foreign merchants to open their markets in the port of Kochi known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”. The merchants and traders had to pay the tax to the Maharaja, so that their business could be conducted smoothly. All the money collected through the taxes and other sorts of trade tariffs imposed by the Maharaja went to improve the revenue of Cochin, which also developed the economy of the princely state and led the path to progress and prosperity in the Kingdom. The economic situation of the princely state of Cochin gradually improved through the trade and export on the port city of Kochi. The main source of income for the Maharaja of Cochin was from the customs duty levied through the Cochin port. This port was effectively used by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British in different time periods for trade and to export goods to Europe and make an abundant profit. The fact that the profit went to the colonial powers cannot be denied, but indirectly it also improved the economy of Kochi. The Maharajah of Cochin had to always agree and sign the agreement to establish a better trade relation with the Europeans so that it later on improved the economy of his own state and subjects. Markets along with huge companies were also established by the Europeans under the much-celebrated title of the East India Company on the Port of Kochi.

-Mukund T