Kollam

Kollam is an ancient seaport located in the Indian state of Kerala.

It sits on the southern tip of the Malabar Coast along the Arabian Sea. The city lies on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake.

This position makes it a vital gateway to the Kerala Backwaters. Kollam is a major commercial center for the state. It is also recognized as one of the least polluted cities in India. The city is currently experiencing rapid urban expansion.

As a maritime entrepôt, Kollam has functioned as a central hub for global trade for millennia. An entrepôt is a port where goods are imported and then exported again. This process has connected many different cultures through sea routes. For centuries, traders from Arabia, China, Ethiopia, and Rome have used this port. Even the Romans and Greeks referred to the area by names like Tyndis and Nelcynda.

The city's commercial reputation is built on several key industries. These include cashew processing and coir manufacturing. Tourism also plays a significant role in the local economy. These industries work together to maintain Kollam's status as a business leader.

The history of the city is deeply tied to religious and political shifts. In the ninth century, the city became the premier center of the Malabar region. This happened after the year 824 AD, which marked the start of the Malabar Era. The city was also the capital of the independent Kingdom of Quilon.

During the later stages of the Chera monarchy, Kollam became a focal point for politics. The city's importance is reflected in its many historical names. Arabs called it Koolam, while the Portuguese used the name Coulão. Ancient Tamil literature referred to the area as Desinganadu.

Significant religious milestones occurred in Kollam during the early medieval period. The city is home to one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas. It also contains one of the ten oldest mosques in the Indian subcontinent. These mosques are believed to have been founded by Malik Deenar. In 825 AD, the port at Tangasseri was founded by Mar Sabor. Mar Sabor was a Persian East Syriac Christian merchant.

This founding was supported by the king of the State of Quilon. The Christian community was granted rights to oversee foreign trade and weights. This helped increase the wealth and trade capacity of the region.

Travelers from different eras have documented the importance of this port. In the ninth century, the Persian merchant Sulaiman al-Tajir visited the coast. He noted that Kollam was the only Indian port visited by massive Chinese junks. In the 14th century, the traveler Ibn Battuta included Kollam in his records.

The Venetian traveler Marco Polo also visited the west coast in 1275. During the 13th century, Kollam was considered one of the four great global sea trade hubs. It was ranked alongside Alexandria, Cairo, and Quanzhou. This high status helped connect the Indian Ocean to the rest of the world.

Kollam has also left a lasting mark on literature and timekeeping. In 825 AD, the Malayalam calendar, known as Kollavarsham, was created during meetings in the city. This calendar began with the re-founding of the town. Furthermore, the city was the site of a major printing milestone. In 1578, a book titled Thambiran Vanakkam was printed in Tamil. This was the first book ever published in an Indian language.

These achievements show how the city served as a center for both commerce and culture.

Modern data shows that Kollam remains a dynamic and growing urban center. An Economist Intelligence Unit survey from 2020 highlighted this growth. Between 2015 and 2020, the city saw an urban growth rate of 31.1 percent. This made it the tenth fastest-growing city in the world at that time. The city also manages its municipal services with high standards. It has received ISO 9001:2015 certification for its administration.

Today, Kollam continues to balance its ancient maritime roots with modern industrial and urban development.