On the world map, Malabar is known as a trading centre in the Indian Ocean. It has been a key factor in east-west exchanges throughout history. Long distance interaction between peoples, culture and civilizations stretching from south east to east and South East Africa and the East Mediterranean in the west. This interaction occurred in prehistoric and early historic periods. In addition, it is a world system in which Arabs serve as trading intermediaries. Malabar was initially merely a center, but eventually evolved into one of the world’s major trading centres.

Trade between the Indian subcontinent and the Roman empire in Europe and the Mediterranean sea. Indo-Roman trade developed around Egypt. The main exported items are spices, clothes, pearls, corals, gems and timbers. Muziris was a centre for a booming trade in goods that linked the indigenous worlds of the Graeco-Romans. Pattanam excavation unearthed a seal ring engraved with a sphinx, similar to that worn by the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar about 2000 years ago.
“The Old Testament Bible says that the wood for building Solomon’s place came from Malabar region and the spices, in Mossa’s Seesha were brought from Malabar region.”

There is a silk street to remind us of the ancient maritime spice route between China and Kerala that flourished between the 2nd century BC & 15th century AD. The prefix of Chinese added to Cheenapattu (Chinese silk), Cheenachatti (Chinese pan), Cheenbharani (Chinese jar), Cheenampalli – a mosque in Panthalayani, Kozhikode and Cheenavala (Chinese net) used even today is reminiscence of Chinese influence in Kerala. The elements of Chinese influence in Kerala are clear evidence of the trade between Kerala and China. According to Kerala history, this may have existed as a spice route between China and Kerala.

The Portuguese played a pivotal role in the naval activity of the 15th century. The main goals of the Portuguese are pepper and Christianity. It was they who implemented the “Blue Water Policy” in the sea, expelled the Arabs, and mixed up politics in the sea. They introduced an art form named Chavittunadakam, Fort Manuel (a ruined fort) in Kochi, promoted Roman Catholicism in Kerala, built a printing press in Vypin, Kerala, European style architecture.

Vasco Da Gama (1498) is a traveller / trader who changed the course of world history. He is marked in history by the fact that, Barthomlomew Dice crossed the sea and reached Kerala. Gama’s arrival was not well prepared. So there are many arguements about how the Zamorins welcome the Portuguese

In the southern port of Kerala the British had to mainly contend with the trade rivalry with the Dutch East India Company. Which had acquired a large part of the pepper trade in the south. India became a mere colony on behalf of the British. Main contributions are – western medicines literary codification, English Education, Civil Service, Railway, Bridge, Road, cake and pastry,Cricket.