Assessing the Socio-Cultural Impact of the Emergence of Nedumangad as a Commercial Centre in the Princely State of Travancore

Abstract:

Trade and commerce have been instrumental in driving the economic progress of nations throughout history. In the case of Travancore, an ancient princely state in India, its economic development and historical trajectory were greatly influenced by its robust trade relations with both domestic and international states. Since its inception, Travancore actively engaged in trade with various states within and outside India. From ancient times, the state cultivated both food crops and cash crops in its agricultural fields. However, during the colonial era, the demand for cash crops grew significantly, leading to a shift in the agricultural sector. The state government actively promoted the production of more cash crops rather than food crops. Nedumangad, an important agricultural region in the state, played a crucial role in producing cash crops such as pepper, spices, rubber, cotton and many more. Nedumangad emerged as a prominent trading hub within the state, serving as a central market for goods sourced from the inland regions, particularly the hilly areas. The rise of Nedumangad as a vital commercial center brought about significant socio-cultural transformations in the hilly regions, while also playing a pivotal role in the economic advancement of the princely state.