Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: The 18th century was a period of significant political, economic, and social transformation in Malabar, shaped by the intersection of indigenous power structures, colonial ambitions, and regional trade networks. This era witnessed the coexistence of traditional political systems, led by Naduvazhis and Desavazhis, along with the growing influence of European colonial powers. These interactions profoundly impacted the region's economic and political landscape. This study investigates the complex relationships between political authorities and the trade dynamics, focusing on the interactions among local chieftains, merchant communities, and European colonial powers. It examines how local rulers and trading groups negotiated their roles amidst challenges posed by colonial interventions, Mysorean invasions, and shifts in global trade patterns. The study emphasizes the importance of key commodities, such as pepper and cardamom, which were vital to the region's economy, and explores the mechanisms of control, resistance, and collaboration employed by various stakeholders. Using archival research and historiographical analysis, the paper underscores the adaptability of Malabar's political authorities and mercantile groups in navigating the complexities of 18th-century trade networks. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the interdependence between political structures and economic forces, illustrating how trade played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Malabar during this transformative period.
Author: Dileepan K M
Institution: Kannur University
Language: English
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405764623