The Prehistory and early history of the Malayalam speaking people of the Malabar coast of India is shrouded in mystery. This territory at present known as Kerala was known as "Chera" or "Seras" in ancient times. Glimpses of their early history culture and civilization could be found in the Tamil Sangam classics and in the Tamil Epic Chilappathikaram (by Ilango Adigal) which emerged in the early centuries of Christian Era. The people of the Chera country had developed a civilization along with Pandiyas and Cholas of Tamilakom of which they formed the largest component. The Malayalam and Tamil speaking people share a common heritage. The Cheras had intimate contact with the Satavahanas of the North and were engaged in a lucrative Spices trade with Rome and the West with Musiris as the emporium. In the enquiry into the Early history of Kerala, the evidences from Archaelogical, Numismatic and other sources may prove or supplement the literary sources.
1 affectionately thank my grand daughter Charumathi Raja for vetting the manuscript and my grand son Adhityan for the preparation of Maps and Plates.
I must acknowledge the tremendous help and encouragement 1 received from Dr. K. Kuttalam Pillai, Former Professor of Tamil, University College, Thiruvananthapuram, who spared his valuable time for me.
This fascinating book on Vanjikandam by Sri. K. Ravindran, IAAS (Rtd.) has information on Vanchi and the Kannaki st ory of Chilappatikaram (The Story of the Anklet) Many deta ils not known to ordinary researchers are recorded in this book of two hundred pages. The information found in the book is not known even to an alert student of the epic.
I found the book most stimulating coming from the hands of an administrator who has devoted all his spare time for the study of the subject.
This book, full of facts should be published immediately and if possible translated into Malayalam and to Tamil.
I wish the author to do more works of this kind so that the world of Scholarship will be benefited by his labour of love.
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