Commercial and Industrial History of Colonial Thalassery

Thalassery, or Tellicherry in colonial records, is a strategically located town on the western coast of Kannur district of Kerala state. It was a trading hub on the Malabar Coast where Chinese, Arab, Jewish, and many European traders had established considerable influence in the spice market. European trade contacts with the Malabar Coast played a significant role in shaping the political, economic, cultural, and intellectual configuration of the Malabar region, particularly Thalassery. The Portuguese, French, Dutch, and English competed to establish trading stations on the Malabar Coast. They all tried to make close relations with the local chieftains and wealthy merchants to establish their supremacy in Thalassery. Eventually, the English established economic and political domination in this region. The port of Thalassery offered anchorage for ships throughout the year. Large numbers of commercial establishments were started in Thalassery by European firms, Gujarati merchants, Parsee traders, Konkani merchants, and merchants from other parts of Kerala. The major trade items are spices, timber, cereals, and other locally available commodities. The commercial history of Thalassery became active with the establishment of the warehouses by the British. Foreign ships began visiting Thalassery and exporting merchandise; thus, this region became the major centre of colonial trade. The export and import of native and foreign goods resulted in the development of Thalassery as an essential commercial centre in Kerala. The industries that started in the nearby places of Thalassery town during the colonial period also contributed much to its economic growth. The present study attempts to discover the origin, development, and significance of colonial trade and industries that contributed to the development of Thalassery

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