The Making of Cochin : A Royal Family's Chronicles of War and Survival

The Making of Cochin by Kocha Rama Varma, Usha Chettur Varma and Rajith B. Nair – A Royal Family's Chronicles of War and Survival

Trace the story of Cochin and its ruling family with The Making of Cochin by Kocha Rama Varma, Usha Chettur Varma and Rajith B. Nair, from the Perumal era to a princely state under British rule.

After the fragmentation of the Perumal kingdom, the Perumpadappu Swarupam emerged as the royal house that would rule Cochin, with its own alliances and rivalries, notably the long conflict with the Zamorin.

About This Book

The arrival of the Portuguese, Dutch and English changed everything, alongside the rise of Travancore under Martanda Varma and Mysore under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Under Shakthan Thampuran, Cochin became a princely state under British suzerainty.

Drawing on historical records and the family's own oral tradition, the book shows how the Rajas preserved their kingdom and explains the communal diversity of Kochi, especially Mattancherry, today.

What You'll Discover

• The history of Cochin from the Perumal era to British suzerainty
• The rivalry between Cochin and the Zamorin
• How European powers shaped regional politics
• The influence of Travancore and Mysore on Cochin's fortunes
• Why Kochi and Mattancherry are so diverse today

Perfect For

• Readers of Indian and Kerala history
• Those interested in kingdoms, colonial powers and regional politics
• Students and researchers of South Indian history
• Anyone curious about the roots of Kochi's cultural mix

Why You'll Love This Book

The Making of Cochin offers an unusual insider view of a kingdom's survival. If you want to understand how war, diplomacy and tradition shaped Cochin, this book gives a clear and informed account.