The Cochin province of Kerala was a powerful kingdom after the disintegration of the Kulasekhara Empire (the rulers of Kerala before it was separated into different small states), and was ruled by the kings of Perumpadappu Swarupam, a dynasty. But the conflicts in the royal family and the frequent attacks of the Zamorin weakened the empire, and it helped the Portuguese to put their power upon Cochin. Unni Rama Koil I, who was the king when Portuguese landed in the state, established good relationship with the Portuguese and trade facilities were granted to them. His successors Unni Rama Koil II and Vira Kerala Varma also followed this policy with the Portuguese. Gradually, they started to put their authority over the empire.
The successor of Kerala Varma was Kesava Rama Varma, the most important king during the Portuguese period. He was successful in taking out the authority of Portuguese in the customs duties levied at Cochin, which was acquired them by force. Rani Gangodhara Lakshmi, the only woman who sat at the throne of the empire, ruled the province as regent on behalf of the adopted heir, Rama Varma, of Kerala Varma.
The Dutch attacked Cochin and overthrew the king Goda Varma, the successor of Rama Varma, and assigned Vira Kerala Varma as the king in 1663. The authority of the Dutch increased in that period over the empire. The Dutch appointed Paliath Achan as the prime minister to control the kingdom under their guidance. The king had not much power over his country.
Ravi Varma I, and Rama Varma I were next rulers. There was a 9 years war between Cochin and Calicut empires during the reign of Rama Varma I. Moreover, in 1715 the Zamorins attacked the empire again. The war longed 2 years, and ended by the treaty of 1717 A. D. The next rulers-Ravi Varma II, Rama Varma II, and Kerala Varma-were weak. Mysore kings invaded to Kerala at the time of Kerala Varma and put their control over the province.
The famous ruler of the empire Saktan Tampuran came to power in 1769. He was a good administrator, diplomat and statesman. The new king cut off the loyalty to Mysore and signed a treaty with the English East India Company in January 1791. Trades were flourished at that time, and the Justice was administered without fear or favour. After the death of Saktan Tampuran, the Dewan (minister) rule began. Kunhikrishna Menon was appointed as the dewan by the British with the aim of reorganizing the administration of the state on modern lines.
Nanjappayya was an able diwan of the state who issued a proclamation in 1812 to forbidden the punishment of slaves by their owner. Divan Venkatasubhayya established English schools in the state. The first school for girls in Cochin State was opened at the time of diwan Govinda Menon. Sri. R.K.Shanmukham Chetti (1935 to 1941) was another dewan who brought progress in country. Cochin Empire joined with the India union and became a part of the state of Kerala after the independence of India.
http://www.burstnet.com/cgi-bin/ads/ad4320a.cgi/1467/RETURN-CODE
[Source http://www.burstnet.com/ (26) 17-Aug-04]
