Culture of Cochin is something which is unique.
In various towns and cities across India, there are various communities who form part of that city, but they would be there just for business or such related activities. But Kochi is far away from these.
Kochi had earlier attracted business men and later allured them to make Kochi as their second home.
The best example for this is the Gujarati community in Kochi.
Muslim ruler attacked Gujarat, they fled to various parts of India. One group travelled south to reach Calicut, Cochin, Allepey and Thiruvananthapuram. The terror of Muhammed Gaazni was so dreadful in their minds that they wanted to settle down in a place where the arms of the Muslim invaders could not reach them. They considered Cochin as their choicest abode as it provided both peaceful atmosphere and plenty of opportunity for trade. They obtained grants of land from his Highness Raja of Cochin and along with it all the security was assured to them for whatever trade they conducted there.
While Cochin and Calicut Gujarati's maintained their culture, the Gujarati's aroung Sri Padbanabaswamy temple got much mixed with the locals that they don't speak Gujarati, eventhough they remember their grandfathers having spoken Gujarati.
Gujarati's were and are great traders. Since the Gujarati traders were the Chief exporting agents their quantum of trade had to be increased beyond all their expectations. Cochin became the center of activities where adequate facilities were available for the storage of goods and their exportation.
A copper plate issued by the Raja of Cochin Veera Kerala Varma in the year 1929 speaks about the special favours granted to them.
In the year 1887 there was a flow of Gujarati families to Cochin. 72 families reached Cochin during the year. They were provided with necessary facilities for settlement and they could live in exclusive area where they could preserve all their traditions and practices without any local interference. In Cochin, the Gujarati communities preserved all their culture and traditions.
Currently there are around 800 families of Gujarati's with a population of around 4000 in Cochin. Most of them live in Mattancherry area of Cochin. As a matter of fact Mattancherry is considered to be the most densly populated town in Kerala.
population of gujaratis
Today Mattancherry has changed its face from the old phrase as a Goonda area to an area with real communal harmony. We could see numerous commuinities living together in harmony, which was thought to be imposssible.
Any one (from other parts of India) will find difference betweenm other parts of Kerala when they reach Mattancherry and FortKochi area, as they could sew a diiferent type of living. People are jovial, busy are so on.
Our ministers should do their best to maintain the heritage of Mattancherry which has many houses are localities which are seen to be under poor condition.
Mattancherry is in itself a mini India.
With Regards,
Vivek
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