Malabaricus.

In this episode of Malabaricus , we trace the early moves of the British East India Company in Kerala, long before their fateful encounter with Tipu Sultan, the infamous "Tiger of Mysore." As the 18th century progressed, the Company transitioned from mere traders to power brokers, navigating Kerala’s fragmented kingdoms and forging strategic alliances. From the northern coast to the powerful Trava...

In Colonial Currents: The English Channel of the East , we begin our journey into the short yet intriguing French presence in Kerala. Focusing on the small enclave of Mahé, separated from British Thalassery by the Mayyazhi River—often called the "English Channel of the East"—this episode explores how the French East India Company briefly carved out a foothold on the Malabar Coast. We trace the str...

In Season 4 of Malabaricus , we explore the stories of two European powers whose influence shaped Kerala's history in surprising ways. First, the French, with their brief yet significant foothold in Mahé, left a cultural mark that persists to this day. Then came the British, who arrived as traders and eventually transformed Malabar through their colonial rule. Join me as we embark on a journey...

In 'Spices, Science, and Stone: Tracing the Dutch Essence in Kerala,' we uncover the layers of Dutch influence that have seeped into the very fabric of Kerala's culture, language, and architectural heritage. Dive into the stories behind Cochin's colonial architecture, the botanical wonders documented in the Hortus Malabaricus, and the subtle Dutch imprints on Malayalam. Together, w...

Embark on a journey back to a pivotal era in Kerala's history with 'A New Dawn: The Rise of Travancore Under Marthanda Varma.' This episode of Malabaricus delves into the remarkable story of Marthanda Varma, the visionary leader whose strategic brilliance and unyielding defiance against colonial powers transformed Travancore into a formidable state. From the scattered principalities be...

Dive into an epic tale of resistance and resilience in 'The Land Strikes Back: Kerala Against Dutch Empire,' an exhilarating episode of Malabaricus. As the Dutch East India Company extends its tendrils, seeking to entangle the Malabar Coast in its imperial grasp, Kerala stands on the brink of an era-defining confrontation. This episode narrates the story of a land awakened, where the lush...

In 'Tides of Trade: Kerala’s Crossroads of Empires', we navigate the tumultuous waters of Kerala’s history, where global ambitions and local resilience collide. This episode of Malabaricus unfolds the saga of trade rivalries that shaped the destiny of Kerala in the 17th century. New episodes out every Monday, wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe now.

Dive into 'Voyage to Valor: The Rise of the VOC,' where we chart the Dutch East India Company's strategic climb to prominence in the 17th-century spice trade, culminating in their dominance over Kerala's shores. This episode of Malabaricus brings to light the VOC's revolutionary approach to commerce, warfare, and international relations, setting them apart from their European c...

Season 3 of Malabaricus is going to dive deeper into the Dutch era - heralding the arrival of the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, more commonly known as the Dutch East India Company. Their revolutionary approach to maritime commerce and colonial governance marked a significant departure from the practices of its predecessors, setting the stage for a new age of European influence in Asia. Join me...

Embark on a captivating exploration of Goa's ascendancy under Portuguese rule as we weave through the vibrant history of this coastal jewel, where maritime prowess met cultural metamorphosis. Discover how Goa, a land bisected by the Mandovi River and flanked by the Western Ghats, became the cornerstone of Portuguese colonial ambitions in India. Unravel the complex dynamics of power, resistance...

Embark on a journey that explores the complex interplay between Portuguese colonialism and Kerala's Saint Thomas Christian community. Uncover the seismic shifts caused by the Synod of Diamper and the resistance fuelled by the Coonan Cross Oath, while also discovering why the Portuguese had more success with their Inquisition further along the coast in Goa. Apologies for uploading the show late...

Step aboard for a journey into Pedro Alvares Cabral's fateful 1500 expedition to Calicut, an odyssey that ignited a decade-long conflict between Portugal and the Zamorin of Calicut. Explore the Machiavellian tactics the Portuguese employed, pitting Indian states against each other, and discover how these moves catapulted Cochin from an underdog city-state to a maritime powerhouse on the Malaba...

In this episode of Malabaricus, we delve into the ground-breaking expedition of Vasco da Gama, from Lisbon to Kerala, India, in 1497. Discover the trials, tribulations, and diplomatic faux pas that marked this voyage, shaping the future of international trade. Learn about the Portuguese navigator's encounters with African sultans, his daring entry into uncharted waters, and how his mission bot...

In this first episode of the new season of Malabaricus, we delve into one of the pivotal moments in Kerala's history: the arrival of the Portuguese, led by Vasco da Gama, on its shores. Discover the geopolitical climate that set the stage for this monumental voyage, from the fall of Constantinople to the desperate European search for a new spice route. Understand the roles of King Manuel I and...

Season 2 of Malabaricus is steering its compass towards the Portuguese era—a transformative period that disrupted the Arab maritime supremacy and sparked a race to establish European hegemony in the Indian subcontinent. Join me on an exploration of the trade, faith, and geopolitics that underpin Portugal's multidimensional legacy in Kerala. From the events that led to Vasco da Gama's histo...

In the final episode of this season of Malabaricus, we delve deep into the rich tapestry of Malayalam to uncover Arabic influences that span from the language we speak to the laws we follow and the food we savour. From the etymology of 'bathaka' to the legal lexicon of 'vakeel' and 'adalat' , and from the origins of the chatti pathiri to the delectable aleesa, we go on a fa...

In this episode, we delve into the intricate relationships between Muslim merchants and the rulers of Kerala. Uncover how the Zamorin of Calicut ascended to power with the financial and military support of Muslim traders, all aimed at sustaining their mutual stranglehold on the spice trade. From tax collection by the Shah Bandar at the ports of Calicut and Kollam to the naval leadership of the Kun...

In this episode, journey across time and tides to explore the fascinating interplay between Kerala's vibrant ports and the Arab world. Uncover the allure of 'black gold'—pepper—that once captivated traders and empires alike. Learn about the uru or the patemar , traditional boats that graced these waters, and the pivotal role they, along with the ports, have played in weaving the multic...

In this episode, we journey back to the time of the Chera Dynasty to explore the confluence of trade, faith, and culture between Kerala and the Arab world. As we delve into the mystical story of Cheraman Perumal's conversion and the historic trading bonds with Arab merchants—who held a monopoly over the Indian Ocean spice trade—we unearth how these relationships cemented their place in society...

How did a small strip of land on the southwestern coast of India become a melting pot of cultures, religions, and traditions? How did traders and explorers from distant lands shape its history, its society, and even its very soul? Why are these external influences so deeply interwoven into Kerala's identity, and why is this complex tapestry still not fully understood or appreciated? Welcome to...