THRISSUR: The proposed ‘Spice Route’ initiative, envisaged by the state government with the support of UNESCO, will be a fillip to the tourism sector of the state and once again place erstwhile Muziris in the centre stage of tourism and trade relations. Interconnecting 31 countries, the erstwhile maritime trade partners with India and the movers and shakers along the spice route, the project looks to reestablish linkages with the Mediterranean, West Asian countries and also along the African coast.
Before the devastating floods of the 14th century which submerged the port, the Muziris port was the hub of transport of spices and artifacts like precious stones. However, as has been testified in Pliny the Elder’s ‘Natural History,’ it was black pepper that ruled the roost and the naturalist has jotted down the unnerving demand for the South Indian ‘black gold.’ The long lost port had seen the light of the day in the Pattanam excavations. “We have sent a request to all 31 countries along Spice Route via UNESCO. The major nodes of the Spice Route will be identified and will help facilitate shared heritage and intercultural talks among the countries involved in the project,” said T V Anupama, Tourism director. The inflow of wealth through the frequent visitors from Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and Arab nations apart, the Muziris hub is also considered the melting pot of intercultural interactions including Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Eminent historian A Sreedhara Menon in his book ‘Survey of Kerala History’ notes that Apostle St Thomas landed at Maliankara and found seven churches at Maliankara, Kottakkavu, Kokkamangalam, Quilon, Niranam and Nilakkal. “Almost 10,000 jews, jewesses are said to have come to Kerala to escape religious persecution at home and settled at Crangannore (Kodungallur), Mala, Palayur and Pullutt. It is clear that the country was known to Jews as early as 1000 BC,” he noted in his book. A Sreedhara Menon also notes that the religion of Arab traders might have been established in the 7th or 8th century AD at Kodungallur. He also alludes to the legend of Cheraman Perumal’s conversion to Islam, his visit to Mecca, and the mission of Malik Ibn Dinar for spreading the word of prophet in the Kerala coast.