Foreign Influence in Kerala: Spices, Nets, and Quirky Stories
Kerala isn’t just God’s Own Country—it’s also history’s favorite hangout spot for foreigners. From traders to invaders, explorers to missionaries, everyone wanted a slice of the Malabar cake.
8/30/20251 min read
Here are some quick (and slightly funny) facts about foreign influence in Kerala:
1. Spice Addicts
Romans, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, and the British didn’t exactly fly down for vacations—they came sniffing for pepper. Black gold (pepper) was Kerala’s OG Bitcoin.
2. China Sent Nets, Not Smartphones
Those giant Chinese fishing nets you see in Kochi? Yep, they’re imports. Kerala fishermen have been using them for centuries, proving that “Made in China” isn’t a new trend.
3. Portuguese Left More Than Football
Forget Ronaldo—the Portuguese gave Kerala forts, churches, and the recipe for beef ularthiyathu (thanks, guys!). Also, they may have left a love for dramatic mustaches.
4. Dutch Played Monopoly
The Dutch East India Company basically treated Kerala like a board game, taking forts, trading spices, and then… losing it all. Classic Dutch exit.
5. The British Came for Tea (and Everything Else)
The British crowned themselves the ultimate landlords—building railways, plantations, and bureaucracy that still haunts government offices today.
6. Coconuts from Southeast Asia
Kerala’s beloved coconuts didn’t start here—they sailed in from Southeast Asia ages ago. But Malayalis made them their personality trait.
In short: Kerala’s history is like a pot of sambar—spicy, mixed, and flavored by just about everyone who dropped by. From Chinese fishing nets to Portuguese churches, Dutch forts to British tea, the influences are everywhere—and somehow, Kerala made it all uniquely its own.