Legends speak of Kerala as Parasuramakshetram, 'the land of Parasurama'.
The land of Kerala is believed to be a gift of the Arabian Sea.
Owing to its favourable location this land fostered trade and
established contacts with Egypt, Assyria, Greeks, Romans and the
Chinese. The Malayalam era 'Kollavarsha' is believed to have started
in the 9th century A.D. During this period of internal strife
in Kerala, Cheraman Perumal founded the Chera dynasty (9th century
AD). In about 1498 the Portuguese came to Calicut and in 1502
to Kochi.
