Social and Economic History

Kappad was an important trade centre for the Arabs and Chinese centuries ago itself. The spices available in the Malabar region was of high value in the market. Thus Kappad was economically well stable during those period. The Europeans too were attracted by the abundance of spices over there. The stability of the economic condition lasted long until the Portugese found their way over there. Their policy was a lot different from the Arabs and the Chinese. Their intention was more than business. They wanted to create a monotony of their own over there. Then started the downfall of this beautiful place. Kappad ran into extreme poverty. It continued for a long period. Export of seafood was of slight relief during the 1950’s. Lorries loaded with these items were a regular watch during those times. The real changeover in the economic condition of this historical place was when people started reaching the Middle East. Lots and loads of people started going to the Gulf and is still continuing. Later on,the money from the Gulf brought about a lot of changes to this place, both good and bad.
Education too was way behind in this area. It was only in the 1960’s some started going to school. Girls were restricted from going to school during those days. English was considered an alien language as well. Whereas there has been a tremendous change over the past 3 decades in the field of education.

Gama's Arrival

Vasco Da Gama is a name always attached to the historical place Kappad. It was he who brought fame to Kappad by landing over here and thus finding the sea route to India. But, then what was the reason that attracted Gama to this place? Kappad, eventhough a small place has made a mark of its own in the global map.
Istanbul- formerly known as Constantinople was an important port in Turkey. It was an economically and culturally developed port for centuries. Istanbul came into the hands of Turkey in 1453 afterwhich it became difficult for the Europeans to get the valuable and necessary spices from there. Thus it became necessary to find an alternate place abundant with spices. Therefore they decided to find a sea route to Kerala. The availability of compass made things easier.
Portugese King Henri (1420-1460) sent many ships to India but none reached the destination. John II too sent ships which went further more but still couldn’t reach the target. It was during the reign of King Emmanuvel , a 35 year old sailor named Vasco Da Gama was appointed the same duty in 1495. King Emmanuvel had made all the necessary arrangements for the trip after discussions with many astronomers. After huge preparations for the trip, Vasco Da Gama sailed off along with four ships from Lisbon on July 8, 1497. They had food in stock for 3 years with them. They didn’t forget to keep valuable gifts for the Kings they meet at various places during their trip. They reached Mozambique on March 2, 1498. It was from Melinda in Kenya, Gama was handed two Arab sailors who knew the sea route to Kozhikkode by the King over there. Ibn Majid who had written lots of books on sailing was one of them. It was Ibn Majid who helped Gama reach Kappad in twenty days from there. It was on May 20, 1498 Gama landed in Kappakadavu. There is difference in opinions about the date but still the month is confirmed by all. The Zamorins in Kozhikkode greeted the tourists with business intention well but later the world knew the intentions were not the one they mentioned. Alas India lost her freedom to the British. Eventhough the entry of Gama to this land has brought only havoc to this country, still there lies a historical importance to this place which was once a wealthy trade centre.