History of Ernakulam

Blessed with picturesque nature’s excellence, Ernakulam district is one of the prominent places of Kerala state sharing a major portion of its culture and historical background. The headquarters of Ernakulam district, at present is based at Kakkanad. The district is the commercial hub of the state yielding the highest revenue and, thus, contributing to the economical growth of the state as well as the district.


It may be noted that the involvement of trade and commerce in Ernakulam is not a recent activity as from ages the place has been a prominent business center yielding economical profit in a huge way. It was the centre of Indian spice trade and one of the biggest trader to Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Jews and Chinese.

Ancient History of Ernakulam

Pre-historic background of Ernakulam suggest human settlement in the area since the Stone Age since various dolmens and caves in a typical rock cut style of the earlier times are visible in various part of the district. Ernakulam is known to have links with Chera Dynasty which was during the period of Sangam Age, known to be during 350 BC to AD 200. The conclusion was derived from the fact that the Dynasty ruled a major part of Kerala and Tamil Nadu during that time.

Ernakulam district came into existence in 1958 on 1st day of April. The district was formed utilizing portion of the areas of Malabar, Kochi and Travencore kingdoms. However, the majority of district consists of the age old Kochi kingdom. From ages it has been a popular choice of business for many and that is why, in this part of the state one can find prominent impressions of all seafarers from Europe and Middle East. The Chinese fishing nets which is one of the interesting attractions here was first swayed in 1350 AD. Be it the Dutch Palace or Jewish Synagogue, Bolgatty Palace or the Portuguese Architecture all enhances the heritage of the state.

It may also be noted that Ernakulam district has around six synagogues at different places which clearly provides the evidence of a cosmopolitan environment and culture prevailing in the place for ages. Even the structures and architecture of the synagogue reveal facts on how diverse religions co existed in this area for years in the past.

The name Ernakulam was derived from the Tamil words Erayanar and Kulam which refers to the divine abode of Lord Shiva. There is also a belief that the name of the district actually was derived from the pond near Lord Shiva Temple, Rishikakulam which is based in Kochi near Rajendra Maidan.

Present Day Ernakulam

Ernakulam at present includes prominent areas like Aluva, Kochi, Paravur, Muvattupuzha, Kunnathunadu, Kanayannoor and Kothamangalam Taluks forming a part of Muvattupuzha and Fort Kochi Revenue Subdivisions. A lot of these areas were initially part of Thrissur district but later curved out to form Ernakulam. It may be noted that Thodpuzha taluk was initially a part of Ernakulam district but after 26th January 1977, when Idukki district was formed the place was separated from Ernakulam only to be joined with Idukki district. During those times the district headquarters was at Ernakulam from which it is believed the district got its name which however in the later years got shifted.

Ernakulam district is one of the most popular and sought after tourist place in today’s date. Crowded with the highest number of travelers, the district is a major point of attraction because of its ancient structures, temples and various age old mosques portraying the heritage and culture predominant in the area. The district has been gain the honor of being the country’s first 100% literate district in the year 1990 and in 2012 it became the first district to have a full financial inclusion which means 100% banking in the area.