PROBLEMS OF DIPLOMATIC CONTINUITY AND CHANGE: INTER-STATERELATIONS OF TRAVANCORE AND COCHIN

Suresh J
Inter-state relations Diplomacy Mandala Concept Boundary disputes Encroachments

Abstract

Towards the beginning of modern age, the geographical landscape and political terrain of Kerala had evolved into three independent kingdoms of Travancore, Cochin and Calicut. These States were well defined with clear cut boundaries. Their territories were unique in terms of geography, climate, social structure, economic resources and above all bounded by common language, Malayalam. Among them Travancore and Cochin with the feature of inseparable territorial regularities had their role in maintaining the extent of diplomatic relations between the two. Here the up keeping of Mandala concept and diplomacy of Kautilya is significant. The intermixture of jurisdiction amounts to a prodigious disadvantage to the extent cordiale in their political relations. It led to Major disputes over several stuffs which related to basic necessities of life like, land, water etc. To settle the disputes even the British Government had to interfere in the form of an arbitrator. As these States were underneath British Colonialism, along with the exertions of these States, British Government keenly initiated elucidations in settling these disputes. Land disputes covered those of Munambam, Malayattur Hills and Valiyapanikan Thuruthu and Water dispute was mainly related to Periyar River. Besides these there were Minor disputes related to border, roads, places etc. It includes those of Andhakaranazhi and Kalady Road dispute. It is being attested to the fact that these areas were not explored in an effective manner to know more about the extent of diplomatic relations maintained by these States.

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